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HISTORY OF HOLDEN, 



MASSACHUSETTS. 



1667—1841. 



BY SAMUEL C. DAMON. 



1841. 



WALLACE AND RIPLEY PRINTERS, 

WORCESTER, MASS. 

/ & ■ 



TO 

THE CITIZEJVS OF HOLDER, 

THIS VOLUME 

CONTAINING 

A 

BISTORT 

OF THE TOWN 

PRINCIPALLY WRITTEN WITH AN EYE 

UPON THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS, 

IS RESPECTFULLY 

INSCRIBED BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



" When at the first I took my pen in hand, 
Thus for to write, I did not understand 
That I at all should make a little book 
In such a mode." — John Bunyan. 



INDEX. 



Act Incorporating Holden, 29, 69, 70. 

" " Worcester, 24. 

Adams, Samuel, 42, 59 
Admiration for Ancestors, 35. 
Affairs, Military, 136. 

Bardwell, Rev. Horatio, 102, 106, 
115. 

Chenery, Doct. Isaac, 60, 133. 

" Thaddeus, 133. 
Church, Cong. 33, 71, 72, 100—107 
Baptist, 108—114. 

Davis, Rev. Joseph, 32, 38, 40, 106. 

" Gov. John, 35. 

" Isaac, Esq. 14, 15. 
Deacons, Cong. chh. 107. 
Delegates Prov. Cong. 99. 

Earthquake in Holden, 39, 40. 
Effects of Rev. War, 52, 53. 
Emigration, 143. 

Faith, Articles, Cong. chh. 103. 
" Bap. chh. 110. 

Gospel, Its support, 32. 
Gookin, Daniel, 20 23, 64, 66. 
Halves, Wor. N. and S. 20 
Hancock, Gov. 56. 
Haven, S. F. Esq. 10—13. 
" Rev. Joseph, 59. 

Indians, 21, 22. 
Lafayette, 48, 147. 
Laud French, 52, 53. 



Andrews, Rev. Elisha, 108, 113. 
Anniversary, Centenial, 4 — 16. 
Association, Missionary, 115. 
Avery, Rev. Joseph, 40,50, 55, 57, 

58, 59, 10G. 
Belnap, Rev. A. 114. 
Bigelow, John, 31. 
Coleman, Rev. Dr. 30. 
Covenant of Chh. 101, 104. 

" Town, 49. 

Clerks, Town, 93. 

Deed, Indian 1st, 63, 64. 
" 2d, 65, 65. 
" Hon. John Hancock's, 56. 
Dodd, John, Esq. 129. 
Donations to Rev. Mr. Avery, 50, 51. 

Estabrook, Col. James, 15, 16. 
Everett, Gov. 36. 

" Rev. Sam'l. 114. 

Factories, 145, 146. 147. 

Graduates, College, 130. 

Grenadiers, 137, 138. 

Henchman, Daniel, 37. 

Hills, 127. 

Holden, Samuel Esq. 30 3!. 

Houses, Meeting, 28, 55, 113, 150. 

Justices of Peace. 129. 

Lime Lot, 25, 26. 

Lincoln, William I^q. 16, 23 76. 



Vlll 



INDEX. 



Man, Blind, 118. 
Manufactures, 145, 146, 147. 
Marshall, Rev. Thomas, 112, 113. 
Masters, Post, 133. 
Masonry, 135. 
Organization, Town, 19. 

Cong. 32, 71. 

Paine, Rev. Wm. P. 13, 107. 
Papers, old, 150,151. 
Pastors, Cong. chh. 106, 107. 
" Bap. " 113,111. 
Perry, J;>hn, 108. 

Rebellion, Shays 53, 54, 55, 81—91. 

R ice Jonas, 25. 

Representatives, 100. 

Sampson, Deborah, 49. 

Selectmen, 93 — 96. 

Schools, 139, 140, 141. 

Settlement, First, 29. 

Sermon, Rev. Mr. Davis's, 38, 39. 

Temperance societies, 148, 149. 
Thieves, Society lor Detecting, ,124, 

125. 
Valuations, 144. 

War, Rev. 40—52. 

" French and Indian, 33, 34, 36, 
37. 
Waters, Rev. George, 111. 



Meeting, First Town, 19. 
Mellen, Rev. John, 39. 
Millenium, 119. 
Missionaries, 131, 132. 
Music, chh. 56, 152,153, 153. 
Organization Bap chh. 109. 
Otis, James, 42. 51. 

Physicians, 133, 134. 

Pollard, Rev. A. 114. 

Population, 142, 143. 

Prices Established, 50. 

Protest, 85, 91. 

Report to Gen. Court, 20, 21. 

Resolutions, Revolutionary, 43 — 46. 

Rivers, 128. 

Shays, Daniel, 54, 76—80. 

Soldiers, Revolutionary, 75, 148. 

Spring, 118, 119. 

Style, Old and New, 29. 

Things in General, 148. 
Topography, 126. 
Treasurers, Town, 98, 99. 

Walker, Rev. John, 113, 114. 
Washington's Death, 57. 
Winthrop, Col. Adam, 27. 
Wright, Judah, 6, 116—124. 



AN 



HISTORICAL ADDRESS, 

DELIVERED AT 

HOLDEN, MASS., 

MAY 4TH, 1841, 

THE FIRST CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 

OF THE MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION 

OF THE TOWN; 

WITH NOTES AND AN APPENDIX. 



BY SAMUEL C.DAMON 



WORCESTER: 

WALLACE AND RIPLEY, PRINTERS: 
1841. 



PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS 

FOR THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY. 

The Citizens of Holden, agreeably to a Notice, assembled al the 
Town Hall, 7 o'clock, P. M. , November 30, 1840, to take into considera- 
tion the expediency of celebrating the first Centennial Anniversary of the 
Town of Holden. 

Col. SAMUEL DAMON was chosen Chairman, and Charles Chab- 
fin, Secretary of the meeting. After deliberating upon the subject, a unan- 
imous vote was passed, to celebrate the First Centennial Anniversary of the 
Town. The following gentlemen were appointed a Committee to make the 
necessary arrangements for the anniversary exercises : — Samuel Damon, 
Charles Chaffin, Paul Davis, William Metcalf, Jonathan Rice, Silas M 
Hubbard, Lemuel Fiske, Silas Flagg, Jason Mann, Samuel Foster, John 
Davis, and James Winch. 

A vote was then passed to invite Mr. Judah Wright to join this Committee. 

December 14, 1840. At 7 o'clock, P. M. the above committee conven- 
ed, with some of the citizens, when the subject was discussed — whether the 
citizens would celebrate January 9, 1841, the centennial anniversary of the 
act incorporating the town, or May 4, 1841, being one hundred years since 
the municipal organization of the town, by the choice of Town Officers. 
The latter day was decided upon by the meeting, as the most convenient 
and proper. 

The committee of arrangements invited the Rev. William P. Paine to de- 
liver an address suitable for the occasion. He declined to accept the invi- 
tation in consequence of his arduous duties as a Pastor. 

The invitation was then given to Mr. Samuel C. Damon, a native of the 
town, and member of Andover Theological Seminary. Mr. Damon, having 
signified his willingness to accept the invitation, the committee of arrange- 
ments appointed a sub-committee, — Samuel Damon, Paul Davis, and 
Charles Chaffin, to assist Mr. Damon, in searching for information touching 
the early history of the Town. 

March 30. — 7 o'clock, P. M. the committee met at the Town Hall, to 
complete their arrangements, in regard to the coming Anniversary. 



CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 

The hundredth anniversary of the municipal organization of 
Holden, will be celebrated by the citizens of the said town, on Tuesday, the 
fourth day of May next. 

An Address will be delivered at 11 o'clock, A. M., by MrS. C. Damon. 

Citizens of other towns, and especially such as have formerly been in- 
habitants of Holder!, are invited to be present, and participate in the exer- 
cises of the occasion. 

A Dinner will be provided at the Town Hall, by S. Davis. 

By order of the Committee of Arrangements. 

Holden, April 28, 1841. 



CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AT HOLDEN. 



(Extract from the National JEgis, Worcester, May 19. ) 



The first century since Holden, in Worcester County 
was established as a town, by the election of municipal 
officers according to the provisions of the acts of the 
Great and General Court of the Province of the Massa- 
chusetts Bay, was completed on May 4, 1S41. The citi- 
zens, desirous of honoring the memory of the founders 
of their community, and of noticing in an appropriate 
manner an anniversary so interesting, had made arrange- 
ments for a public festival on the occasion. 

The day was remarkable in the climate of New Eng- 
land. Snow had fallen during the preceding week to 
unusual depth, and the white drifts and beds remained 
along the borders and covered the little hollows of the 
fields, and although the sun shone bright, the north-west 
wind was chilled with the breath of winter. If we may 
trust to the records ol former time, an hundred years 
ago, May was like a summer month, and an old diary 
states, that on the day of the old style then, which cor- 
responded with the fourth of May now, trees were bud- 
ding, flowers were springing, and windows were thrown 
open to admit the warm sun.* 



* 



On Tuesday, May 4, 1841, the thermometer stood thus at Hospital 
Hill, in Worcester : at sunrise, 33 deg. : 2 P. M. 50 deg. : at sunset, 47 dcg. 
1* 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

The citizens collected at an early hour to join in the 
solemnities and festivities of the anniversary. At 11 
o "clock of the forenoon, a procession was formed at the 
house of Col. Samuel Damon, under the direction of the 
Committee of Arrangements named below: 

COMMITTEE OF ARRANGKMENTS. 

Samuel Damon, Charles Chaffin, Silas Flagg, Lemuel 
Fiske, Paul Davis, John Davis, William Metcalf, Samuel 
Foster, Silas M. Hubbard, James Winch, Jason Mann, 
Jonathan Rice, Judah Wright. 

The arrangement of the Procession was under the di- 
rection of the following gentlemen, who officiated as 
Marshals. 

MARSHALS. 

Chenery Abbott, Le Baron Putnam, Joab S. Holt, 
Charles L. Knowlton, Ethan Davis, Nathan Howe. 
William Howe, Sparrow Crosby, James S. Moore. 

First went "The Military Band" from the adjoining 
town of Paxlon, a fine body of musicians, conducted by 
Mr. Thomas Ward and Mr. J. B. Allyer, their leaders. 

A most interesting feature in the ceremonies of the 
day, was the attendance of the ladies of Holden, and of 
some of the dames and damsels of other towns, who 
marched to the meeting-house. 

They were followed by the citizens of Holden, and 
their guests. 

The church was filled before the solemn exercises of 
the occasion commenced, with a large assembly. 

After appropriate music by the Paxton band, the fol- 
lowing Hymn, composed by Mr. Judah Wright, a vener- 
able citizen of Holden, seventy years of age, suffering 
under the infirmity of blindness from infancy, was sung 
by a choir of more than an hundred singers, led by Col. 
.Samuel Stratton. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 7 

HYMN— By Judah Wright. 
Let us our grateful voices raise, 
To celebrate Jehovah's praise, — 
Our fathers trusted in his care, 
And we his richest blessings share. 

When we a hundred years review. 
We see the efforts of a few 
Increasing, till a rising Town 
Does their judicious labors crown. 

Dark fo sts from the view recede, 
And hems and flocks in safety feed, 
And plenty crowns a cheerful home, 
Where prowling wolves were wont to roam. 

The active, hardy, wise, and brave 

Have- reached their common home — the grave ; 

And beauty, once the source of pride, 

Has long since mouldered by their side. 

The ravages which time hath made, 
Teach us that all on earth must fade ; 
Then let our best affections rise, 
To solid joys beyond the skies. 

Though nothing here can long endure, 
The throne Eternal stands secure, 
And there we may repose our trust, 
Nor dread the summons, " dust to dust." 

An impressive and eloquent prayer was then offered 
by the Rev. Horatio Bardwell, formerly clergyman of 
Holden, during six years a missionary in India, and 
now minister of the Gospel at Oxford, in Worcester 
County. 

The address of the Rev. Samuel C. Damon was a 
faithful, able, and interesting review of the prominent 
events in the history of the town during the last centu- 
ry. In clear, simple, and persuasive manner, he related 
the trials, toils, and hardships of the early planters — ex- 
plained the causes which induced them to go out from 
the ancient colony of Worcester — narrated their exertions 
during the wars with the French and Indians, which 
disturbed the people of New England — referred to the 
spirited resolutions and acts of the citizens in the bright 
period of the revolution— -counted the soldiers who fought 




8 HISTORY OP HOLDEX. 

the battles of freedom during the long war of indepen- 
dence, and traced the progress of the town in its march 
of prosperity through the hundred years which have rol- 
led onward since the organization. 

Of the high merit's of Mr. Damon's Address, it is un- 
necessary now to speak : a copy was requested for the 
press by the unanimous voice of all who listened to the 
words of the speaker. The public will be enabled to es- 
timate, when it shall read, the excellence of the manner 
in which materials collected with extraordinary diligence 
from the archives of the State, the records of the town, 
the papers of the past, and from all other sources of in- 
formation, were arranged, and the accuracy and fidelity of 
the narrative. 

After the Address, the glorious Anthem of Haydn. " O ! 
Praise ye the Lord" — was sung by the choir, with the 
accompaniment of the band. 

The hymn which follows, beautiful in the expression 
of the thoughts which croud on such an anniversary, and 
having graceful words and gentle flowing rhyme, was 
then sung by the many voices of the musicians. We 
regret that we are unable to learn the name of the author 
of such good verse. 

HYMN— By J. H. B. 

One hundred years have roll'd away, 

Unrealized, unseen, unfelt, 
Since first before thine altars here, 

O, God ! our holy fathers knelt. 

They lie beneath those swelling mounds, 
Those ancient graves that once were greeo ; 

No granite block, no marble pile 
Above their resting-place is seen. 

Yet here they live, — the thoughts of God 

That in their children's bosoms thrill ; 
Each holy prayer, each stirring hope, — 

All these are their memorials still. 

First in their noble thoughts and plans, 
The love and worship, Lord, of Thee ; 







HISTORY OF HOLDEN. *J 

Then, the strong training of their youth, 
The love of Man and Liberty. 

And when, above our old grey hills, 

They heard iho battle thunders roll ; 
They look'd on those brave men who died, 

With a stern sympathy of soul. 

And here we meet — remembering those 

Who laid these first foundations well, 
That, o'er their honored dust, one strain, 

Of triumph and of love may swell. 

And we, like them, shall pass away, 

Our thoughts and wishes, hopes and fears, 

Lie buried in our scattered graves, 
Within another hundred years, 

And now we bend before Thee, here, 

Stand on the ground our fathers trod ; 
Be Thou our strength, our life, our light, 

Our own, as once our fathers' God. 

This hymn was read and sung after the ancient fash- 
ion, which was called "deaconing." The venerable Dea- 
con Rice, having consented to take part in the services 
of the church, standing in his place at the communion 
table, read line by line. The scene when the whole of 
that vast congregation rose and joined with the choir in 
the solemn melody after the manner of :c they of an hun- 
dred years ago," was deeply impressive. 

Rev. John Keep of Pelham in New Hampshire, who 
married Miss Davis, a daughter of Holden, addressed the 
Throne of Grace, in earnest prayer, after this most inte- 
resting exercise was concluded. 

The Anthem "Thy Love will build up Zion," was 
next performed by the choir and band. 

The benediction, brief, beautiful, and eloquent, was 
pronounced by the Rev. William P. Paine, of Holden. 

Again the Procession was formed by the Marshals. 
Preceded by the Band, escorting about one hundred and 
forty ladies, and one hundred and eighty citizens, the 
company were conducted by the same Marshals to the 
Town Hall, where tables had been spread, and a plenti- 



10 HISTOBY OF HOLDEN. 

ful and elegant repast had been prepared by Mr. Davis. 

The blessing of Divine Providence was implored by 
the Rev. Mr. Bardwell, and the thanksgiving of the crow- 
ded company at the feast was returned by the Rev. An- 
drew Pollard. 

Col. Samuel Damon presided at the table, and announ- 
ced the following toasts : 

The Day wc Celebrate — Abounding in interesting associations and hal- 
owed reflections, and sacred to the memory of those who acted here an 
hundred years ago. 

The flourishing Town of which this was originally a -part — She did not 
cast us ofT, nor did we rebel — but " the heart of the Commonwealth" was 
too large for the body. 

William Lincoln, Esq. of Worcester, being called on 
by the President, responded to this sentiment at some 
length, and on the conclusion of his remarks proposed 
the following toast : 

Holden and Worcester — United in past time within the same territorial 
boundaries, may they hereafter be more closely Connected by the ties of 
friendship. 

The President gave the following sentiment : 

Hon. Samuel Holden and Gov. Hancock, benefactors of the Town —To 
the munificence of the one we are indebted for a valuable Library, and to 
the other for our beautiful'Common. 

S. F. Haven, Esq. of Worcester, responded to the call 
of the President, nearly as follows : 

Me. President : I feel a somewhat peculiar interest in 
the sentiment that has just been repeated, from the fact 
that I am connected with an Institution which owes its 
origin to the same kind of liberality as is there commem- 
orated; and in the absence of a more appropriate response, 
I will, with your leave, say a word or two before anoth- 
er toast is presented. 

There are in this county, and its vicinity, several 
towns bearing the names of men distinguished in their 
day for promoting the literary interests of their country, 
and imparting from their wealth the means of providing 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 11 

for the moral and intellectual cultivation of generations 
that should succeed them. Holden, Harvard, Hopkin- 
ton, are prominent among these monuments in honor and 
memory of such benefactions. 

What more desirable, or more appropriate memorial 
could be devised, than communities like these, exhibit- 
ing in their intelligence, their good habits, their schools 
and religious institutions, the fruits of those endowments, 
the name and fame of which they perpetuate? What 
happier tribute could be paid to the worth of men who 
had regard to our well being as well as to that of their 
cotemporaies, than is rendered by such occasions and 
such meetings as the present? They looked forward to 
us with paternal solicitude, and, in return, we, this day, 
unite in expressing the filial reverence and gratitude with 
which we look back to them. I have not the honor, I 
believe, to be connected by descent with any of the foun- 
ders and fathers of this town. The various villages of 
our Commonwealth are seldom, however, without some 
connecting ties. 

I have learned from the interesting discourse, to which 
we have just listened, that the late Mr. Avery, your long- 
loved and respected pastor, came from my native town, 
and that my grandfather preached his ordination sermon, 
and I am diposed to fasten upon these facts for want of 
better claims to unite in these ceremonies and partake 
of this hospitality. But, sir, the present occasion is not 
one of merely local interest. The reminiscences of events 
that happened in this neighborhood, anecdotes of men 
who have lived here, the record of manners and habits, 
all constitute a tributary stream to the general current 
of our country's history. All history should be, and 
American history in particular must be, the history of 
the people. Not an account of the proceedings of a 



1 2 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

court, or the operations of any government only, but of 
what the people have been doing, in villages, and com- 
munities, and families. These things lie at the founda- 
tion of national character and sentiment, and consequent- 
ly of national events. 

How would it be possible, for instance, for us to un- 
derstand the philosophy of our Revolution, and appre- 
ciate the spirit that originated and sustained it, without 
going into the villages and upon the farms, and into the 
dwellings, by the aid of local traditions and histories, 
and seeing what manner of men were there — how they 
lived, and what they felt, and thought, and did ? We are 
carried by this means behind the scenes, or rather into 
the scenes, of private history, and shown what are real- 
ly the secret springs of public history. Those matters 
which possess a natural interest to a particular neigh- 
borhood, from association with familiar names and places, 
should be of interest to every one, who seeks, in the ex - 
perience of the past, for that wisdom which may be de- 
rived from a knowledge of what those who lived before 
us have done or suffered — wherein they have erred and 
in what respects they have judged rightly. These rec- 
ords present to us pictures of human nature, both of its 
virtues and failings, such as we can best understand. 
The village disputes, religious quarrels, and political dis- 
sentions of past times, are analagous to those to which 
our own generation is exposed. They afford examples 
of character and conduct of which we can see the be- 
ginning and the end, and may draw therefrom most use- 
ful admonitions. We are living over the same lives, with 
important variations to be sure, but subject to the same 
general laws of action, inasmuch as we possess the same 
nature, and are governed by the same passions and mo- 
tives, which always lead to similar results — similar in 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 13 

character and consequences. I believe, sir, the time is 
coming when history and biography will be taught in 
our common schools, as carefully as grammar and arith- 
metic — taught as lessons of life — and that ignorance of 
the history of one's own town, or even of one's country, 
will be deemed as great a deficiency as ignorance of read- 
ing and writing now are. The historic genealogy of a 
village may be made as useful a guide, through the de- 
vious paths of life, as the chart of a mariner to him who 
sails among the quick-sands and breakers of the great 
deep ; pointing out the track that others have pursued, 
and showing how and where they have advanced in 
safety, and how and where they have been lost upon 
shoals and rocks, the victims of heedlessness, or folly, or 
headstrong passion. 

Not to detain you longer, I will offer as a sentiment — 

The Genealogical Tree : A tree of knowledge, both of good and evil. 
The fruits thereof we are compelled to taste. May they open our eyes to 
a consciousness of our own capacities for good, and our own responsibilities 
for evil. 

The Governor of the Commonwealth — A worthy and honored descendant 
of the moderator of our first town meeting, which we are celebrating. 

The patriotic and pious resolutions of our fore-fathers — Whose first vote 
after their municipal organization was " to have the Gospel preached," and 
the next " to have a writing and reading school kept." 

The happy and appropriate remarks of Rev. Mr. Paine, 
following this sentiment, we are not so fortunate as to 

possess. 

Honor to the memory of our Mothers, who presided over the distaff and 
the loom — May their refined and beautiful Daughters be as much distinguish- 
ed for their industry, energy, and virtue. 

After this toast was given, the ladies sent to the chair 
the following: 

The gallant Sons of our venerable Fathers — The Daughters will acknowl- 
edge their authority and respect their dignity, while they continue to protect 
and honor them. 

The distinguished Historian of Worcester — By whose assiduous labors 
among musty rolls, the early annals of our town have been put in an endur- 
ing form. 

2 



it HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

This toast called forth a pleasant and humorous reply 
from Mr. Lincoln, the absence of which is explained in 
another place. — [Ed.] 

The President gave the following sentiment, and ap- 
pealed to Isaac Davis, Esq. of Worcester, for a reply. 

The ■patriots of the Revolution, of icliovi this Town furnished its full 
quota — Let the memory of the departed be cherished, and the living be 
crowned with honor. 

Col. Davis rose and addresssd the company nearly as 
follows : 

Mr. President : One hundred and twenty years ago, 
there was seen a man with a plough on his shoulder pas- 
sing very near the spot where we are now assembled. 
This individual pursued his course a few miles west of us, 
where he thrust the plough into the virgin soil, cast in 
the seed, and reaped the fruit of his labors. That man 
was the father of the first minister of Holden, and filled 
various offices of trust in the first municipal elections. I 
refer to Lieut. Simon Davis, whose remains are entomb- 
ed in yonder church-yard. He was my great-great- 
grandfather. About twelve years ago, on a "raw and 
gusty day" in the month of March, there was seen a 
young man resembling myself, riding with a young lady 
whom he had taken for " better and for w>orse" over 
nearly the same ground that the sturdy pioneer of the 
forest passed. Her ancestors lay in yonder grave-yard. 
These, Mr. President, are some of the relations I bear 
to those who have lived in the first century of Holden. 
With these connections I do not feel that I am an " alien 
and a stanger" here. Never — no, never have I looked 
on a New England audience with more intense interest 
than on the present occasion. A few days since I was trav- 
elling in Old England — looking at her soil, her climate, 
her institutions, and the state and condition of her peo- 
ple, and be assured, Sir, I came home with renewed love 
for our own happy homes, our own glorious institutions. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEX. 15 

We do not know, nor can we know, how much the masses 
there suffer, unless we personally witness their degrada- 
tion. What we call poverty is there considered a com- 
fortable condition. To see the citizens of one of the 
thrice happy towns of "Sew England assembled for the 
purpose of celebrating an anniversary like the present, is 
to my mind, a noble spectacle. It leads me to the con- 
templation of the social, civil, and religious privileges 
we are enjoying. Never have I so fully realized the in- 
estimable value of these privileges. Never shall I again 
wonder and be surprised that our fathers left their native 
land — crossed the broad Atlantic at an inclement season 
of the year, and breasted the dangers incident to this 
western wilderness. They came to establish the Institu- 
tions which we are now enjoying. Without troubling 
you with further remarks, Mr. President, allow me to 
offer a sentiment. 

Our Social, Civil, and Religious Institutions — They cost great toil — great 
suffering — much treasure — much blood : — but not half as much as they are 
worth. 

One of the soldiers of the revolution, Mr. Drury, was 
present, and replied to this sentiment, with some appro- 
priate remarks. 

Col. James Estabrook of Worcester, a native of Hoi- 
den, offered the following : 

TJie early settlers of Holdcn — Distinguished for their love of order, peace, 
and sobriety — piously devoted to the cause of civil and religious liberty. 
May we, their descendants, cherish their virtues, and not prove recreant sons 
by neglecting to do all in our power to transmit them unimpaired to those 
who shall come after us. 

Many volunteer sentiments were offered and received 
with cordial approbation, and we regret that we have 
not been able to procure them, to add to the account of 
the pleasant celebration. 

At an early hour the assembly separated. No inci- 
dent occurred to mar the enjoyment of a festival of deep 
and peculiar interest. The arrangements were so judi- 



16 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

ciously made, as to secure best the gratification of those 
who attended. 

Those who participated in this centennial anniversary, 
can never join there in any other which shall return with 
the course of years. To other generations it may be in- 
teresting to know in what manner they of the present 
day honored the memory of their ancestors, and this rec- 
ord is made to perpetuate the recollection of the celebra- 
tion of the anniversary of the organization of the town 
of Holden. 

The account of the Centennial Celebration at Holden 
was furnished by a gentleman whose interest in such oc- 
casions and predilection for historical research is well 
known from its practical fruits. It was not until we ex- 
amined the proof, that we became aware of omissions, 
some of which it was then too late to remedy. We re- 
fer to the remarks of William Lincoln, Esq., in reply to 
the sentiment expressive of the relation: which the towns 
of Holden and Worcester hold to each other, and also to 
that which has a more personal allusion. It was for 
the sake of these remarks that one at least of the guests, 
from this town assented on his OAvn part to the request 
that notes of their observations should be inserted. As 
citizens of Worcester, we could not but desire that an 
acknowledgement and declaration of the friendly and 
cordial connections still subsisting between the parent 
town and its vigorous offspring, with the reflections in- 
cidentally suggested, might be preserved, in substance 
at least, if not in form. We trust that the historian of 
Worcester will not suffer the existence of such sentiments 
to remain unrecorded, although it may not be possible that 
the very language of a most happy extempore speech 
should be remembered. We hope to hear from him 
next week. — [Ed. 



Mr. Samuel C. Damon, 

Dear Sir — The subscribers, Committee of Arrangements, were ap- 
pointed, before the Anniversary Exercises closed, to return the thanks of 
the audience to you, for your able address, and request a copy for the press. 
Most Repectfully, 

Yours, 

SAMUEL DAMON, 
SILAS M. HUBBARD, 
WILLIAM METCALF, 
SILAS FLAGG, 
JAMES WINCH, 
PAUL DAVIS, 
LEMUEL FISKE, 
CHARLES CHAFFIN, 
JASON MANN, 
JOHN DAVIS, 
JONATHAN RICE, 
SAMUEL FOSTER, 
JUDAH WRIGHT. 
Holden, May 4, 1841. 



PREFACE. 

The Author of the following Address, and compiler of the Notes and Ap- 
pendix, desires to connect, with their publication, an acknowledgement of 
his obligation to persons who have kindly imparted advice, and furnished 
materials of history. To the Committee appointed for that purpose — but 
particularly to Charles Chaffin, Esq., a member of that Committee; to Wil- 
liam Lincoln, Esq., of Worcester; and S. F. Haven, Esq., Librarian of the 
American Antiquarian Library; to the Librarian of Cambridge University; 
and the Rev. Joseph B. Felt; of Boston, to|the Rev. William P. Paine; and 
the citizens of Holden in general, also to the wife of Aaron White, Esq., of 
Boylston, the author and compiler would express gratitude for their kindness 
and assistance. Without their aid this publication must have been destitute 
of interest and meagre in historical information. 

In preparing this address for publication, the autiwr has taken the liberty 
to make a few alterations. In some instances, additions have been made. 
Accuracy, however, has been his constant aim. 

Materials have been gathered from sources as various as can be readily 
imagined by persons who have not attempted a similar work. Provincial 
and State papers, at Boston, Proprietors' and Town Books, Chnrch and 
Society Records, Public Libraries, Newspapers, family histories and tra- 
ditions, the recollections of the living, and the tombstones of the departed, 
have been made tributary to the undertaking. 

It is hoped some apology for the errors and imperfections of the work may 
be found in the circumstance, that hitherto this path of historical research 
has been untravelled. The author could neither copy the errors or excel- 
lercies of his predecessors. And if this effort shall assist a successor, or 
any among his fellow citizens, better to understand, or render more com- 
plete the history of his native town, it will be a sufficient and rich reward. 



ADDRESS. 



This day completes the first century since the Town 
of Holden was organized agreeably to the Provincial 
Statues of Massachusetts Bay. The records of that 
event, which we have assembled to commemorate, have 
been carefully preserved upon the Town-books. They 
read as follows : — " At an annual meeting in Holden on 
Monday y' fourth of May, Anno 1741, Mr Simon Davis 
chose Moderator for s d meeting. Simon Davis, John 
Bigelow, and Cyprian Stevens chose Select-men. Cy- 
prian Stevens chose Town-Clerk — Sworn. Jonathan 
Lovell chose constable for the East-end — Sworn. James 
Smith chose constable for the West-end — Sworn. Sam- 
uel Clark, Samuel Pierce, and Samuel Heywood, chose 
Assessors — Sworn. William Nickols chose Town-Trea- 
surer — Sworn. Abraham Newton chose Tything-man — 
Sworn. James Gray, Jotham Bigelow, and David 
Brown chose Fence-viewers. Jotham Bigelow chose 
Clerk of the Market — Sworn. James Grey, and Samuel 
Bruce chose Hog-reeves — Sworn. Joseph Woolley, and 
Abraham Newton chose Field-drivers — Sworn. Samuel 
Heywood chose Sealer of Leather — Sworn. James Cald- 
well and John Childs chose Deer-reeves — Sworn. John 
Bigelow, and Joseph Hubbard chose Surveyors of high- 
ways — Sworn. Simon Davis chose Grand-juryman."* 

* Town Records, vol. 1, p. 2. 



20 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

In celebrating the Centennial Anniversay of a day, 
the records ot which have now been read, My Fellow 
Citizens — We follow the promptings of principles deep- 
ly implanted in our natures. It is fit and proper to ex- 
hibit a becoming and grateful respect for the memory of 
that generation of men, — who, clearing the forests, made 
their homes upon the hills, and in the valleys of our 
town. 

The duty devolving upon me, by accepting the invita- 
tion from the Committee of Arrangements, to prepare an 
address for this occasion, I shalt endeavor to discharge 
by narrating the history of Holden, from the period when 
authentic records commence, down to the close of the 
ISth century, concluding with an allusion to a few promi- 
nent events in the present century. 

The earliest authentic accounts, on, record, which refer 
to the tract of land now embraced within the limits of 
the township of Holden, are co-eval with the history of 
Worcester. That town originally had its North and 
South halves. The General Court of Massachusetts, in 
May, 1667, appointed a Committee "to take an exact 
viewe" of lands lying in the vicinity of Quinsigamond 
Pond, and being about mid-way between Boston and 
Springfield. Daniel Gookin, Edward Johnson, and An- 
drew Belchar, members of this Committee, made the fol- 
lowing report, in October, 1668: — 

"We have, according to the Court's Orders bearing date 
15th May, 1667, viewed the place therein mentioned, and 
find.it to be about twelve miles westward from Marlbo- 
rough, near the road to Springfield, and that it contains 
a tract of very good chestnut tree land ; a large quanti- 
ty ; but the meadow we find not so much ; because a very 
considerable quantity of meadow and upland, about five 
thousand acres, is laid out unto- particular persons, and 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 21 

confirmed by this Court, * * * * but, all this not- 
withstanding, we conceive, there may be enough mead- 
ow for a small plantation, or town, of about thirty fami- 
lies ; and if those farms be annexed to it, it may supply 
about sixty families. Therefore we conceive it expedi- 
ent, that the honored Court will be pleased to reserve it 
for a town, being conveniently situated, and well watered 
with ponds and brooks, and lying near mid-way between 
Boston and Springfield, about one day's journey from 
either ; and for the settling thereof, we do offer unto the 
Court, that which follows — viz : — 

That there be a meet proportion of land granted and 
laid out for a town, in the best form the place will bear, 
about the contents of eight miles square; 

That a prudent and able committee be appointed and 
empowered to lay it out. 

That due care be taken by the committee, that a good 
minister of God's word be placed there as soon as may be ; 
that such people as may be there planted, may not live 
as lambs in a large place."* 1 

This report was approved and accepted by the General 
Court. Another committee was appointed to carry its 
recommendations into execution. The history of this 
" tract of very good chesnut tree land, containing a good 
supply of ponds and brooks, and being about eight miles 
square, and laid out in the best form the place will bear" 
I shall endeavor to trace through a period of one hundred 
and thirty-two years, so far as its history refers to the 
original proprietorship, and settlement of Holden. 

The persons, who had obtained a grant of this tract of 
land from the General Court, did not consider their title 
as valid, until by purchase, it had been secured to them 
by the Indians, the original proprietors of the soil. On 

* Lincoln's history of Worcester, p. 3. 



22 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

the 13th of July, 1674, John alias Horrawannonit, or 
Quiquonassett, Sagamore of Pakachoge, and Solomon 
alias Woonaskochu, Sagamore of Tataessit, together with 
the consent of their kindred and people, conveyed by 
deed the abovementioned tract of land to Daniel Gookin 
of Cambridge, Daniel Henchman of Boston, and certain 
other persons, for and in consideration of £12 of lawful 
money, of New England currency, or in full value there- 
of in other specie to be paid within three months after 
the date of the deed. The Indians received " two coats 
and four yards of trading cloth valewed at twenty-six shil- 
lings," as a pledge that the money should be duly paid. 
Messrs. Gookin, Henchman, and others fully discharged 
their obligation to the Indians before the three months had 
expired, and came into possession of " the broken upland 
and woodlands, woods, trees, rivers, brooks, ponds, 
swamps, meadows,'mineralls, or any other thing, or things 
whatsoever, lying or being within that tract of land, con- 
tayning eight miles square or the contents thereof, to be 
layd out by y e s d persons or their order in time conve- 
nient."* 

The district of country, described in the first Indian 
deed from which extracts have been made, embraced the 
entire townships of Worcester and Holden, before any 
portions were set off to form the towns of Auburn, Pax- 
ton, or West Boylston.f 

King Phillip's war commencing A. D. 1675, in connec- 
tion with other unpropitious events, retarded the rapid 



* See Note A. 

t " The plantation of Q,uinsigamond, as originally granted, and surveyed, 
extended nearly twelve miles from north to south, andsix from east to west. 
It was designed to include the same quantity of land which would have heen 
comprehended in a tract eight miles square. As stated in the original plan, 
the north and south lines were 1920 rods each ; the east line 3815 ; the 
west 3760." Lincoln, p. 160. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 23 

settlement of this part of the Massachusetts colony.* 5 
This circumstance induced the General Court, at their 
session in October 1682, to pass a vote rendering "forfeit 
and lost" the grant of this tract of land, to Gookin and 
others, unless vigorous exertions were speedily adopted 
to advance its settlement. f The Grantees were now 
urged to take immediate action to preserve their claims. 
It was found by estimation that about 480 acres of good 
meadow land were contained within the limits of this 
grant. An agreement was made, at a meeting of the 
Proprietors, April 24, 16S2, to divide the whole township 
into as many lots as there were acres of meadow land ; 
" 200 for Planters; 80 for public uses or other specific 
appropriations, and the remaining 200 to be laid out on 
the north extremity forming a division, afterwards known 
as North Worcester, and subsequently rendered perma- 
nent by the incorporation of Holden."| 

The dividing line between North and South Worcester 
was drawn during the year 1683 or 4. For a period of 
more than thirty years subsequent to this division, but 
very meagre records have been preserved relating to the 
North half of Worcester. " For a time," observes Lin- 
coln in his history of Worcester, " we lose sight of the 
town and its inhabitants. From 1686 to 1713 no record 
is preserved on the proprietary book of any transactions. 
Neither history nor tradition informs us of the labors, dan- 
gers and sufferings of the earlier planters. Gen. Gookin, 
the early and faithful friend of the plantation, was cal- 
led to the rewards of a long life, characterised by fervent 
piety, enlarged benevolence, incorruptible integrity, and 
the practice of every manly virtue, in March, 1687."$ 

* Holme's Anna!.?, vol. 1, p. 369. 
tLincoln's his. Worcester, p. 30. 
X " " *« p. 30. 

§ " " '« p. 33. 



24 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

Capt. Adam Winthrop was appointed to the office which 
had been so ably filled by the untiring exertions of the 
much lamented Gookin. The Winthrop family of Boston 
owned extensive tracts of land in North and South Wor- 
cester. 

I can find no records, which lead me to conclude, that 
any settlements were made in Worcester North half, pre- 
viously to 1722. The solitude of the wilderness had re- 
mained unbroken, unless the occasional report of an 
huntsman's gun, or the shrill whoop of the Indian, echoing 
among the hills, aroused the timid deer, or hungry wolf. 
Tradition reports that numbers of each species continu- 
ed in this vicinity, long after the first settlers had made 
their homes in the wilderness. History as well as tradi- 
tion, describes an Indian path leading from Lancaster to 
Hadley, which passed through the north part of this 
town, near the farm now owned by Samuel W. Hubbard. 
Traces of this path, I have been told are still to be seen. 

One century had now elapsed, since the Pilgrims dis- 
embarked from the May Flower, upon the shores of New 
England. It had been a century of labors, of hardships, 
perils and wars, to the first settlers of the country. Du- 
ring this period, the colonies were continually increasing 
in population and importance. Every year witnessed 
new settlements in the wilderness. Hardy adventurers 
were carrying to the westward the out-posts of civiliza- 
tion. The town of Worcester was incorporated June 14th, 
1722.^ In the month of October following, the proprie- 
tors of "common and undivided 3ands" in the town of 
Worcester, Yoted — " that a committee of five persons be 
chosen, to provide a surveyor, and that he proceed forth- 
with to measure the meadow lands in Worcester North 



*Linoc lii's his. Worcester, p. 50. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 25 

half."* Although this vote was not then carried into 
execution, in consequence of certain troubles in South 
Worcester, yet I deem it worthy of special notice, be. 
cause from this date — the last Wednesday of October, 

1722, authentic records of this township have been care- 
fully preserved. 

An incident occurred about this period — Spring of 

1723, which led, as I suppose, to the forming of the first 
settlement in this town. Mr. Jonas Rice, a citizen of 
South Worcester, had discovered limestone upon the 
farm, now known by the name of the Bullard Farm. 
At a meeting of the proprietors, in March, 1723, a vote- 
was passed granting " encouragement to the first finder 
of limestones and undertaker of the burning lime for the 
supplying the town." A committee was appointed to 
agree with Mr. Rice to burn lime upon the following 
conditions, viz : 

1. "The undertaker, Mr. Rice, to have a patent for 
50 acres of land to be allotted him, for seven years ; and 
that he have liberty to cut wood on any common land of 
the proprietors, and that every body else be forbid dig- 
ging limestones, or cutting wood, until the end of said 
term." 

2. " That the town be allowed 2d. per bushel for all 
merchantable lime." 

3. " That all the inhabitants, that may have occasion 
for their own use in building to be used in town, shall 
give 12d. per bushel for it, and no more." 

4 & 5. *"■ '*..■-"*** '* : *''#."'#■"'■•'" # 
6. "That the undertaker be obliged to go upon the 
business with all speed, and also to supply the inhabi- 
tants with lime for their own use when they want it, as 
soon as may be with any conveniency and that they be 

♦Proprietors' Books, Vol. 1 : p. 1. 

3 



26 HISTORY OF HOI.REN. 

preferred before any other persons belonging to other 
towns."* 

The lot of land, known upon the early records of the 
town, as the Lime Lot, was sold, in the year 1759, to 
Mr. Anthony Clark. f The avails form a part of the 
present school fund of the town. A settlement was 
made in the immediate neighborhood of the lime lot, 
which is supposed to be the first settlement in Holden. 
The remains of lime kilns still appear about 60 rods south 
of Timothy Parker's house. That part of the town 
subsequently set off to form West Boylston, was very 
early settled by the Lovells. 

The records of the proprietors of the common and un- 
divided lands in North and South Worcester, indicate 
that vigorous exertions were made on their part to pro- 
mote the rapid settlement of this portion of the township, 
immediately subsequent to the incorporation of Worcester. 
They caused two surveys to be made, one in the autumn 
of 1723, and the other in the spring of 1724. The land 
having been thus surveyed, was divided into lots contain- 
ing, respectively, 60 a. and 100 a. called, first and sec- 
ond divisions. Those owning land in South Worcester 
were entitled to tracts of land in North Worcester, agree- 
ably to the following rules, viz : A land-holder of 40 
acres in the South part was entitled to 60 acres of the 
first division, and 100 acres of the second division, " and 
so proportionable to bigger or lesser lotts." I would re- 
mark that persons were left to the choice of particular 
tracts, having first cast lots for priority of choice. The 
individual drawing No. 1 was allowed to pitch first in 
that division which contained 60 a. lots, but last in 
the other division which contained 100 a. lots. The 



* Proprietors' Books, Vol. 1 : p. 3. 
f Town Records, Vol. 1 : p. 120. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 27 

above tracts of land were all to be laid out in squares, 
or " long squares."* 

No proprietor was more active and efficient, in pro- 
moting the welfare of North Worcester, at this early 
period, than Col. Adam Winthrop of Boston. As a mark 
of grateful respect to this gentleman for his good servi- 
ces, the proprietors passed the following vote: — "Col. 
Adam Winthrop for his good services done for the town 
of Worcester shall have the first pitch in the North half 
part of Worcester."! For years subsequent to this event, 
the interests of North Worcester profitted by his wise 
counsels and judicious plans. He emphatically may be 
called a FATHER to the town. 

Near 4000 acres of land, in North Worcester, were 
transferred from company stock to private individuals. 
Many of the proprietors of lands living in Boston and 
vicinity, their meetings were frequently held in that city. 
To facilitate settlements and raise the value of landed 
property, the proprietors appointed a committee to lay 
out four public roads, 6 rods wide, from the centre of 
North Worcester, in such ways as would be most ser- 
viceable to the said half part and the towns adjoining.t 
The centre of the township was then supposed to be 
about 50 or 60 rods north from the spot occupied by the 
house in which we are now assembled. These public 
roads were laid out previously to any portion of the 
township becoming the private property of individuals. 

From the consultation of ancient records, or inquiries 
among the most aged inhabitants, I have not been able 
to decide upon the precise years when settlements were 
made in different parts of the town. The number of in- 
habitants as early as 1733 was sufficient in their opinion 



* Proprietors' Books, Vol. I : p. 5, 6. t Ibid. Vol. 1 : p. 7. X ibid. 
Vol. 1 : p. 6. 



28 HISTOllY OF HOLDEN. 

to render desirable the establishment of public worship 
In November of that year, James Thompson, who lived 
beyond the Warner Faun, associated with sixteen other 
persons, petitioned the proprietors, praying that the land 
might be taxed to defray the expenses which would 
arise from building a meeting house and supporting a 
minister.* This attempt was not successful, but Thomp- 
son and his fellow townsmen did not relax their efforts. 
The right of petition, that most reasonable of all rights. 
they continued to exercise, until their desires were fully 
gratified, when they obtained, in the year 1736, a vote 
from the proprietors to erect a house for public worship : 
"50 feet long; 40 wide ; and 22 between the joy?its.' : \ 
At the same meeting of the proprietors, Dec, 1736, it 
was also Voted that the meeting house should be erected 
"about 60 rods southward from the place where four 
roads meet.'* J Capt. Benjamin Flagg, Lieut. Simon Da- 
vis, and Lieut. Joseph Hubbard, were appointed a com- 
mittee to select the proper spot, " which shall be found the 
most accommodable therefor to be fixed and staked out. : '§ 

The question may have arisen in the minds of some 
of this audience, what was the character of the preach- 
ing in those early times? A vote recorded upon the 
29th page, Vol. 1, of the proprietors' books, furnishes a 
most satisfactory answer. December 29, 1736 : "Voted,. 
That provision be made for supporting an orthodox min- 
ister to preach the gospel in said North half for three 
years next to come." 

To defray the expenses which would necessarily arise 

* Proprietors' Books, Vol. 1 : p. 27. t Ibid, Vol. 1 : p. 29. 

% The first meeting house occupied the site where now stands the house of 
Tot. Damon. It never was painted. The windows were small, and set 
with diamond glass in leaden sashes ; nine in front and five in each end 
There were a number of nuon-lwuscs near, for the accommodation of {>er>- 
sons living at a distance. 

9 Proprietors' Books, Vol. 1 : p. 29. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEff. 29 

from carrying the above votes into execution, a tax of 
Ad. per acre for the first year ; 2d. per acre for the second 
year ; and 3d. per acre for the following year, was as- 
sessed upon all lands lying within the North half of 
Worcester.* 

Reasons sufficiently strong induced the inhabitants of 
North Worcester to take the proper measures for obtain- 
ing a separate act of incorporation, during the winter of 
1739 and 40. The 9th of Jan., 1740, has for a long pe- 
riod been the date assigned for the incorporation of this 
town. Without doubt, this date is too early by one year. 
The error probably arose from the practice, then preva^ 
lent in the colonies and throughout Europe, of com- 
mencing the year on the 25th of March, instead of the 
1st of January. This practice went into disuse in the 
year 1752, by an Act of Parliament ; when New Style 
was adopted in the place of Old Style, f 

A few events, worthy of notice, which took place pre- 
viously to the Act of incorporation being granted, I will 
proceed to narrate. At a general meeting of the citizens 
of North and South Worcester, held March 3, 1740, it was 
voted, that the North half part of the township be set off a 
distinct and separate town, if an Act to that effect could 
be obtained from the General Court.}; On the 13th of 
May following, a petition, signed by twenty-five citizens 
of North Worcester, was forwarded to the General Court, 
praying to be set off a separate and distinct town. This 
petition was not granted. At the next meeting of the 
General Court — November of the same year — another pe- 
tition was presented ; and the petitioners were successful 
in obtaining An Act of Incorporation. The Act passed 
the General Court, January 2, and was signed by His 



§ Proprietors' Books, Vol. 1 : p. 30. f Encyclopedia American^, 
Vol. 4 : p. 549. X Worcester Town Records. 

3* 



30 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



Excellency, Governor Belcher, Jan. 9, 1741, and in the 
14th year of the reign of George II. 

When this Act had passed the General Court, the 
North half of Worcester became a distinct and separate 
town, --by the name of Holden, with all the powers, privi- 
es, and immunities which theinkabitantsof othertowns 
within this Province do. and by law ought toenjoy.' 5 § 
The elevated character and beneficent exertions of the 
Qtlemanin honor of whom this town received its name, 
merit, on the present occasion, a respectful and grateful 
notice. 

The Hon. Samuel Holden was a merchant of London. 
By his talents, integrity, and great capacity in mercan- 
tile affairs, he raised himself to a seat in Parliament, 
and became a leading Director of the Bank of England. 
At the time of his death, June 13, 1740, his estate was 
alued at £80,000 sterling. Unfeigned piety and abound- 
ing charities added lustre and power to the other excel- 
cies of his character. He was ackowledged to be at 
■ head of the Dissenters in Great Britain, which cir- 
cumstance, probably induced him to direct his benevo- 
, nt efforts to the colonies of New England. For more 
than forty years he was a correspondent of Dr. Benjamin 
Coleman of Boston, who preached a sermon on the oc- 
casion of his death being announced in this country. 
This sermon having been preached before the General 
Court of the Colony, an Order was passed, containing 

these words : " be a committee to return 

the thanks of this Court to<the Rev. Dr. Coleman, for his 
sermon preached this day, (September 4th, 1740,) before 
the Court, on the occasion of the death of the Hon. Sam- 
uel Holden, an eminent friend and benefactor of the 
Province." Mr. Holden furnished abundant proof of 



T Aet of Incorporation. See Note B. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 31 

his desire to promote the cause of evangelical piety in 
this country. Dr. Coleman received from him 39 sets of 
Baxter's practical works, in 4 massive folios, to be dis- 
tributed among the churches of New England. The 
sum of his charities, at different times, amounted to 
£4,847. After his death, his widow and daughters em- 
ulated his noble example in the cause of benevolence. 
Holden Chapel, at Cambridge, was built by their gener- 
ous donations. Numerous theological works were pre- 
sented by them to the first Pastor of the church in Hol- 
den, and to his successors. I would conclude this no- 
tice of Mr. Holden, by two short extracts from his 
letters. Alluding in one to the death of his only son, he 
remarks, — "I have had one son, and it pleased God 
early to take him from me ; my comfort in the loss of 
him and my dear mother, was, that I had in each, one 
attachment less to earth — one argument more for heaven." 
On another occasion he writes^ — "I hope my treasure is 
in heaven, and would to God my heart were more there. 
Abstract from God and futurity, I would not accept of an 
eternity here in any other circumstances whatever."* 

By an order of the General Court, issued March 26, 
1741, John Bigelow, a principal inhabitant of Holden, 
was authorized to assemble the legal voters, at some con- 
venient place, for the choice of town officers. The citi- 
zens assembled in obedience to that order on the 4th of 
May. The records of that meeting have already been 
rehearsed. Another meeting was legally called, after the 
expiration of two weeks, for the transaction of town 
affairs. Six votes are recorded- upon the town books as 
having been passed on that occasion. To the honor of 
the citizens of Holden legally assembled in that meeting, 

* Dr. Coleman's Sermon. President Quincy's History of Harvard Uni- 
versity. The Gentleman'* Magazine. Allen's Biographical Dictionary. 



32 HISTORY OF HOLDEX.' 

the vote which was first passed deserves to be written in 
letters of gold : "VOTED TO HAVE THE GOSPEL 
PREACHED IN TOWN." The following two relate to 
the same subject. The fourth vote deserves to be recorded 
in characters of nearly equal brilliancy with the first : 
" VOTED TO HAVE A WRITING AND READING 
SCHOOL." A public pound was the object of the fifth 
vote. Then followed the last vote passed upon the occa- 
sion, which related to a tax of £50 to be raised, "to de- 
fray the charge of preaching and schooling."* 

One hundred years have passed, and, to the honor of 
our ancestors and their children, let the fact be published 
to the world, that the spirit which animated the citizens 
of Holden on that day still burns in the bosoms of their 
descendants. Good schools and good preaching have 
always received a liberal support from the inhabitants of 
this town. 

During the year 1741, a school of 3 months was main- 
tained, commencing the 1st of September. No church, 
as yet, had been organized, or pastor settled. The town, 
by an unanimous vote, July 19, 1742, invited the Rev. 
Joseph Davis to enter upon the work of the gospel min- 
istry in town. A salary of £180 (old tenor, $154 33) was 
voted to be annually paid to him, and the sum of £400 (O. 
T. $343) as a settlement donation. From the reply of Mr. 
Davis, we learn the manner in which the settlement money 
was to be paid. After expressing his acceptance of the 
salary proposed, he proceeds to say — ' ; As to the settle- 
ment, I accept the same as follows : I take the lands in 
the said Holden, given to the first settled minister, f viz. 
one hundred acres of upland in two pieces, each con- 
taining 50 acres, and 4 acres of meadow, (so called,) at 
the sum of £215, (old tenor,) as apprized by order of the 

* Town Records, Vol. 1 : p. 3. t Proprietors* Books. Vol. 1 : p. 15. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 33 

town, with the proprietors' concurrence, in part for my 
settlement money. 2. I depend on receiving from the 
town or propriety the remaining sum of £185 (0. T.) as. 
soon as it can be collected."* 

The interesting exercises of Mr. Davis' ordination 
were performed December 22, 1742. Four of the neigh- 
boring churches were represented by their Pastors and 
Delegates, viz, Lancaster, Worcester, Shrewsbury, and 
Rutland. A church was regularly organized the same 
day, consisting of fourteen members. All were males. 
Nine were admitted by letters from other churches, and 
five upon profession. f 

The leading aims of the first settlers of Holden were- 
now accomplished. They desired, for years, " to be set 
off a distinct and separate town;" that desire was now 
fully gratified. To have the gospel ministry established 
in their midst, was the object of their most strenuous 
efforts and ardent prayers. Those efforts were now 
crowned with success, and those prayers literally answer- 
ed. The records which have been preserved of that 
period most clearly indicate great harmony and peace- 
among the citizens of Holden. 

We must now begin to trace the influence of commo- 
tions and wars in the Old World, in their effects upon 
the Colonies of the New, if a correct picture be exhibit- 
ed of the most retired settlement in the wilderness. 

In 1744 England declared war against France. The 
colonists warmly espoused the cause of their father-land. 
For a period of more than 25 years, previous to this date, 
the French had been actively employed in rendering more 
secure their possessions in North America. To protect 
their navigation and fisheries, they had built the town of 
Louisbourg, on the island of Cape Briton in Nova Sco- 

♦TownRec, Vol. 1 : p. 9. t Church Rec., Vol. 1 : p. 27. See Note C. 



34 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

tia. Vast sums of money had there been expended. 
Forts had been erected and batteries planted. "This 
place was deemed so strong and impregnable as to be 
called the Dunkirk of America." Gov. Shirley of Mas- 
sachusetts projected a plan for the reduction of this 
strong hold. The province of Massachusetts was called 
upon to furnish more than 3,000 men for this enterprise. 
Every town responded to the summons. We have the 
strongest circumstantial evidence that Holden furnished 
its quota of soldiers. Many of the muster rolls of the 
forces then raised having been destroyed, I am unable to 
rehearse the names of soldiers drafted from Holden. 
The enterprize was most successfully executed. The 
labors and dangers encountered by the colonists of New 
England, are well-nigh incredible. When the news of 
this event reached Europe, "the enterprise, patriotism, 
and firmness of the colonists were justly extolled."* 

In tracing the history of Holden, we are approaching 
the close of that generation, who may be called — 

The First Settlers of Holden. 
With the most intense interest must our minds linger 
around this period of our history. The men of that 
day had difficulties and trials to overcome such as meet 
the first settlers in every new country. To clear the 
forests, erect houses, make roads, build bridges, main- 
tain schools, and support the gospel ministry, were ob- 
jects most cheerfully performed by our worthy ancestors. 
Barely to live was not the whole of life with them ; it 
was their determination to live as honest men, good 
neighbors, honorable citizens, and accountable to God. 
From no source of information have I gathered facts 
which would lead to the conclusion, that the first settlers 
of Holden were inferior to that generation of men whose 

* Holmes' Annate, II., p. 23, 28. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 35 

settlement in New England forms so important an epoch 
in history, and whose fame knows no other limits than 
the whole civilized world. It is not until 1753 that I 
discover any public misdemeanor to have been commit- 
ted by a citizen of Holden, — when two boys were fined 
£1, 7sh., for breaking glass in the meeting house.* 

A large proportion of the families first settling in Hol- 
den, could trace their ancestry back to the earlier settlers 
of New England. Many came from Concord, some from 
Lexington, and others from Watertown, Medfield, and 
other towns in the eastern part of the Province. Through 
one of these families, His Excellency, the present Gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, traces the line of his ancestors. 
I refer to the family of Mr. Simon Davis, moderator of 
the first town meeting. He was also chosen, at the same 
meeting, chairman of the board of Selectmen, and Grand- 
juryman. During his life he sustained the most impor- 
tant offices in the power of his fellow townsmen to be- 
stow, and died, Feb. 16, 1763, at the advanced- age of 
eighty years.f 

The charge of excessive vanity has, again and again, 
been cast upon the people of New England, for speaking 
in terms which betray warm admiration for the charac- 
ter of their ancestors. Those who would reproach us 
being the judges, there is acknowledged truth in a 
quaintly expressed sentiment of an old writer: "The 
Lord sifted the kingdoms of Europe to obtain good 
seed wherewith to plant the sterile fields of New Eng- 
land." (I quote from memory.) 

Allusion has already been made to the fact that wars 



* Town Records, Vol. 1 : p. 64. "Voted, £1-75. now in the Treasu- 
rer's hands, that he received from Isaac Lealand and Joseph Bash for their 
shooting at the meeting house, he for mending the glass and other breaches 
in said meeting house ?" 

t Town Records and Graye-stone. 



36 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

among the nations of Europe affected the welfare of the 
American Colonies. The war known in history by the 
name of " French and Indian War," furnishes melan- 
choly evidence for the truth of this statement. " The 
military records of those wars," writes Governor 
Everett, "as far as the province of Massachusetts is 
concerned are still in existence. The original muster 
rolls are preserved in the State House at Boston. They 
prove that the people of Massachusetts, between the 
years 1755 and 1763 performed an amount of military 
service, probably never exacted of any other people, liv- 
ing under a government professing to be free. Not a 
village in Massachusetts, but sent its sons to lay their 
bones in the West Indies, in Nova Scotia, and the Cana- 
dian wilderness. Judge Minot states, that in the year 
1757, one third part of the effective men of Massachu- 
setts were, in some way or other, in the field, and that 
the taxes imposed on real property in Boston, amounted 
to two thirds of the income."* 

I have examined many of the old muster rolls and 
other records relating to this war, now safely deposited 
in our State archives. From those papers I have copied 
the names of such persons as engaged in the French 
and Indian war who were drafted from Holden : — Wil- 
liam Fisher, Richard Flagg, Samuel Boyd, and Peter 
Nutten, enlisted into the company of Capt. Benj. Flngg 
of Worcester, to strengthen the forces stationed at Lake 
George. Henry Rice, Job Harris, Samuel Estabrook, 
John Murphey, Jedediah Estabrook, (son of Samuel Es- 
tabrook,) Samuel Hubbard, jr., Samuel Bigelow, John 
Woodward, Samuel Thompson, and Ebenezer Fletcher, 
enlisted into the company of Capt. John Chandler, for 
the invasion of Canada. In an expedition to Crown Pt., 

* Everett's Orations, p. 500. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 37 

the following persons served under Capt. Fletcher of 
Rutland, viz., Ebenezer Fletcher, 1st Lieut., Ebenezer 
Fletcher, jr., 2d Lieut., Samuel Estabrook and son, Job 
Harris, Samuel Hubbard, and John Murphy, Privates. 
There can be no doubt, that many other soldiers from 
Holden engaged in this war, whose names cannot now 
be given, because until within a few years, no pains 
were taken to preserve the muster rolls of those early 
wars. 

Our fathers were willing to expose their lives and ex- 
pend their fortunes for the welfare of the mother coun- 
try. The American Colonists were as loyal subjects of 
the Crown of England, as those personally serving in 
the palace of King George III. The French and Indian 
war, from this circumstance, has not inappropriately 
been styled " the school of the Revolution." Washington 
distinguished himself as a brave commander in this 
war, and from the English learned the science of mili- 
tary tactics. During that war, many of his officers and 
private soldiers became intimately acquainted with the 
practical duties of the camp and field. From the point 
of observation which we occupy, it most readily appears 
how important was that service to prepare those men 
for the stations of trust and responsibility, which they 
were called to occupy at a subsequent period of their 
lives. 

Before proceeding to speak of events in the revolu- 
tionary war as they affected the progress of affairs in 
Holden, I shall notice some records preserved among our 
church and town papers. In 1759, Daniel Henchman, 
Esq., of Boston, gave to the town, the spot of land oc- 
cupied for the first burying ground, measuring 12 rods 
long, and 10 rods broad.* 1 Additions have since been 

* The Deed. 



38 HISTORY OF HOLDEPT. 

made increasing the area to its present dimensions. The 
20th of August, 1761, was observed as a day of fasting 
and prayer by reason of a severe drought.* During the 
early history of the town frequent mention is made that 
public schools were kept at houses of private persons. 
In 1752, a school was kept 3 months at Mr. Joseph Hub- 
bard's house : another school, the same year, at Lieut. 
Cyprian Stevens' house. During the following year, 
schools were kept in other parts of the town, — 3 months 
at the centre ; 3 months at Jonathan Lovell's house ; and 
3 months at Lieut. Richard Flagg's house. In 1754, it 
was voted, in town meeting, that £13-6s.-8d., be appro- 
priated for the erection of a school house at the centre 
of the town. I have not been able to learn that this 
vote was carried into execution. Tradition reports that 
the first school house was erected in the east part of the 
town, in the neighborhood of the Bullard place. The 
sum annually appropriated for schools gradually in- 
creased from year to year. In 1752, the sum of £11-125. 
was raised for 6 months schooling ; and in 1762 the sum 
had increased to £30, including the interest upon the 
lime lot.\ 

The connection of the Rev. Mr. Davis, as pastor of 
the church in Holden, continued until January, 1773 ; 
when he was dismissed at his own request. From a 
printed sermon of Mr. Davis, I have gathered some sta- 
tistics relating to the history of this town, worthy of 
preservation, as they were collected by one so intimately 
acquainted with the first settlers of Holden. I would 
remark that Mr. Davis preached this sermon January 2, 
1793, fifty years having passed since his introduction to 
the work of the gospel ministry. " At first," writes Mr. 
Davis, " your increase was slow ; little alteration for the 

* Church Rccordi. t Town Records. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 39 

term of five years ; but, afterwards, the increase was 
more ; for, at the end of ten years, your number of fami- 
lies was fifty-five. For the second ten years, the in- 
crease in families was small, only ten: The last ten 
vears of my ministry, the increase was fifty one. The 
whole number at my dismission, about one hundred and 
six families. There had been 642 births ; about 330 
were males, and about 310 were females. There have 
died 214 persons ; about 80 under the age of two years ; 
and more than half under the age of five. The number 
baptized by me about 520. At the end of twenty years 
the church consisted of about 75 members, and when I 
was dismissed of 86 ; 38 males,. 48 females. There was 
a remarkable sickness about seven years after my settle- 
ment ; 22 persons died. And about 6 years after, the 
year after the great Earthquake, a raging distemper car- 
ried off about 45 persons in a short time, mostly younger 
persons and children. " # 

The great earthquake, to which allusion is made in 
the above extract, occurred November 15, 1755. The 
shock was felt in various parts of North America. In 
Boston, " 100 chimnies were in a manner levelled with 
the roof of the houses. Many clocks were stopped." 
In New Haven, Ct., " the ground in many places seemed 
to rise like waves of the sea. The motion of the earth 
was undulatory. Its extent was from Chesapeak Bay, 
southwest, to Halifax, northeast, about 800 miles."f 
The effects of this earthquake were most visibly appar- 
ent in that part of Holden, subsequently set oil to form 
the town of West Boylston. The Rev. John Mellen, at 
that period pastor of the second church of Lancaster, 
(now Sterling,) has given a minute description of the 
place, as it then appeared. Several acres of land were 

* Rev. Mr. Davis's S*rmon, p. 20, 21. t Holmes' Annate, II., p. 67. 



40 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

sunk, in some places " more than the height of a man."" 
Trees on each side of the breach were thrown in various 
directions, " and; some sometimes crossing each other 
over head, at right angles, sometimes thrown up by the 
roots." The old channel being blocked up, the water 
flows in an entirely new direction. The stump of a tree 
that happened to stand directly over the chasm, on the 
east, is divided into equal parts, one standing on the out- 
side of the chasm ; the other on the inside, but not op- 
posite to each other. The half within the chasm being 
carried five feet forward towards the river.* It is a re- 
markable fact that this earthquake occurred the same 
month and year with that terrible convulsion of the 
earth, which sunk a portion of Lisbon, the chief city of 
Portugal, containing a population of 150,000 ; one fifth 
part of whom suddenly perished. Every church and 
convent fell. Fires broke out, two hours after the shock, 
which continued to rage for three days, so that the city 
was completely desolated, j: 

The church in Holden remained without a pastor 
nearly two years after the dismission of the P^ev. Mr- 
Davis. December 21st, 1774, Mr. Joseph Avery, having 
received a call from the church and town, was ordained 
to the work of the gospel ministry. J His annual salary 
was established, £66-1 3s. -4c?., lawful money, ($222 22) ; 
and the sum of £133-6s.-8d., L. M., ($444 44) was vo- 
ted as a settlement donation. 

Some prominent events of the Revolutionary war now 
claim our attention, if we would carefully trace the his- 
tory of this town, during that most eventful period in 
our country's history. The first allusion to events which 
led to that war I find upon the records of the church in 

* Massachusetts Historical Collections, Vol. 4, 1st Series, p. 231. t En- 
cyclopedia Americana, VIII., p. 10. t See Note D. 



HISTORT OF HOLDEN. 41 

the hand- writing of the pastor. "October 12, 1768, ob- 
served as a day of fasting and prayer on account of the 
aspects of Divine Providence in our public affairs."* By 
consulting Provincial history, the cause is readily appar- 
ent why a day of fasting and prayer was observed. Oc- 
tober 1st, numerous companies of British soldiers had 
been stationed in the city of Boston. " The colonists 
felt disgusted and injured, but not overawed, by the 
presence of obtruded soldiery. "f How truly character- 
istic of the genuine sons of the Puritans, was the con- 
duct of the good people of this town, on the present oc- 
casion. " The aspects of Divine Providence" in "pub- 
lic affairs" betokening civil commotions, our fathers 
were ready to humble themselves before God. War 
might come. How accordant with the dictates of reason 
and the soundest principles of religion, to look for guid- 
auce and direction to a wise and benevolent God ! 

A town meeting of the citizens of Boston was held 

* Church Records, Vol. 1 : p. 42. 

t "On the day after the arrival, the fleet [the man-of-war and transports 
from Halifax] came to anchor near Castle William. Having taken a station 
■which commanded the town, the troops, under cover of the cannon of th* 
ships, landed without molestation, and, to the number of 700 men, march- 
ed, with muskets charged, bayonets fixed, martial music, and the usual mil- 
itary parade, into the common. In the evening, the selectmen of Boston 
were required to quarter the two regiments in the town ; but they absolute- 
ly refused. A temporary shelter, however, in Fanneil Hall, was permitted 
t*> one regiment, that was without its camp equipage. * * The lower 
floor of the State House, which had been used by gentlemen and merchants 
as an exchange, the Representatives' chamber, the Court House, Fanue 
Hall — places with which were intimately associated ideas of justice and free- 
dom, as well as of convenience and utility — were now filled with regular 
soldiers. * * The common was covered with tents. Sentinels challeng- 
ed the inhabitants as they passed. The Lord's day was profaned, and the 
devotions of the Sanctuary disturbed, by the sound of drums aod other mil- 
ittry music." — Holmes' Annals 1 II., p. 153, 9. 

4* 



42 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

November 2, 1772. A large committee — James Otis, 
chairman — was appointed on the motion of Samuel Ad- 
ams. This committee was instructed to state the rights 
of the colonists, and of this Province in particular, as 
men, as Christians, and as subjects ; to communicate 
and publish the same to the several towns in this Pro- 
vince and to the World, as the sense of this town, with 
the infringements and violations thereof that have been, 
or from time to time may be made ; also requesting of 
each town a free communication of their sentiments on 
the subject. The letter of correspondence to the several 
tjwns, closes with these words : " Let us consider, 
brethren, we are struggling for our best birth rights and 
inheritance, which being infringed renders all our bless- 
ings precarious in their enjoyment, and consequently 
trifling in their value. Let us disappoint the men, who 
ire raising themselves on the ruin of this country. Let 
us convince every invader of our freedom, that we will 
be as free, as the Constitution our fathers recognized, 
will justify."* A pamphlet, containing the resolutions 
of this meeting and the appeal of the committee was 
printed and extensively circulated through the colonies, 
but particularly in the towns of the province of Massa- 
chusetts Bay. The public mind was aroused. The re- 
solves of the Boston patriots were cordially responded to 
from the most retired villages in the Province. The 
citizens of Holden passed fourteen resolutions, making 
known in the most unequivocal language, their senti- 
ments. The length of this document, alone, prevents 
me from copying it entire, to be read on the present oc- 
casion. Listen to the 1st, 4th, 9th, and 13th resolutions, 
as exhibiting the spirit which animated the bosoms of 
our fathers, in those days which " tried men's souls." 

* Holmes' Annals, II., p. 178. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 43 

1. " Resolved, That Liberty, both Religions and civil, 
is a most precious and inestimable gift of the great and 
glorious Creator of all things, granted to all rational 
creatures ; neither can any person or persons innocently 
give or sell it away from himself any more than he can 
take it from another.* 

2. " If any have been so unhappy as to surrender 
their Liberty, such act of theirs cannot induce any moral 
obligation of servitude on them personally ; especially 
if they were enslaved by irresistible power ; surely then 
it cannot reasonably bind their successors in every fu- 
ture generation. 

3. "That it is to us equally manifest that no one nation. 
State, or political society, has any right to rule or command 
another, especially without the consent of the latter. 

4. " The people of New England have never given 
the people of Britain any right of jurisdiction over us, 
consequently we deem it to be the most unwarrantable 
usurpation, and view it as an insufferable insult in the 
British Parliament that they assume a Legislative Au- 
thority over the American colonies. 

5. " We cheerfully profess the most perfect Loyalty 
to the King, as having an essential voice in our charter 
government. 

6. " We are assured that no political community on 
earth can truly enjoy Liberty without civil government ; 
Therefore, civil government is an invaluable divine 
blessing ; and Anarchy is the greatest of public evils — 
one only excepted, that is a state of complete and con- 
firmed Tyranny. 

7. " And such Tyranny is evidently the object of some 
very recent measures of the British administration and 



* Some gentlemen have expressed a wish to Bee these Resolutions print- 
ed, entire 



44 HISTORY OP HOLDEN. 

government ; particularly those mentioned to ns in a> 
letter from our worthy friends, the citizens of Boston ; 
and the project of despotism and arbitrary government 
appears to be nearly accomplished and settled, so that 
aothing but the vigilance and combined efforts of this 
people, under the auspicious Providence of Heaven can 
■five us from abject Slavery and Total Ruin. 

8. " Therefore, we are compelled to speak and divulge 
our sober and very grievous apprehensions, and are 
willing all mankind should know that we are far from 
acquiescing in the many gross violations of our just 
rights, too conspicuous and palpable now to require a 
particular enumeration, and truly we should be charge- 
able with very criminal silence, if we did not remon- 
strate against every glaring attempt of any persons of 
what Rank or Denomination so ever, to bereave us of 
our Liberty. 

9. " Resolved, That the right of Kings (whether it be 
a human or divine right) is founded on the same princi- 
ples of public Liberty, which we assert ; and the right 
of our present Sovereign, George III., to the British 
throne was explicitly by compact derived from the same 
principle. 

10. " And therefore we must behold them as guilty of 
treason against his sacred Majesty and his illustrious 
House, who are making attempts to subvert the liberties 
of his faithful subjects, as nothing can be more repug- 
nant to the Constitution of England and of this province, 
than that George should be King of slaves ; so if the an- 
tiquated doctrine of passive obedience and non-resistance 
should now revive and move abroad, and half the nation 
were so blind and infatuate as to embrace such a deform- 
ed Monster, the throne must shake and tremble to its 
base ! The Lord Almighty avert the horrid catastro- 



HISTORY OF HOLDEM. 45 

phy ; to prevent it our prayers and endeavors shall not 
be wanting ! 

11. "In publishing our sentiments and resolutions we 
are moved by natural and Christian benevolence to the 
good people of Britain, whose prosperity is dear to us as 
our own. It is therefore our hearty prayer that God 
would preserve them from the depth of political lethargy 
and mercifully defend them from the iron fang of tyran- 
ny, as slavery has ever been abhorrant to the Genius of 
Britain; it must be peculiarly shameful and painful to 
Englishmen, till we shall have lost the spirit of our truly 
worthy ancestors, and forfeited the English name. As 
we are far from suspecting the people of Britain (our old 
Ally) of being enimical to us, our ardent brotherly love 
to them is an additional incitement to assert our own 
freedom ; it being very certain that if liberty expires, 
here, it will not long survive, there ; we are therefore 
ambitious of transmitting our names to all posterity, as 
favored instruments in the hands of God, of having pre- 
served Britain from destruction, therefore, we supplicate 
the Throne of Mercy, that God would excite his people 
in Britain and America to a reformation of morals, be- 
cause, as sin is the reproach and ruin of any people, so 
righteousness exalte th a nation to the summit of happi- 
ness and glory. 

12. "Therefore, Resolved, That there is an intimate 
connection between the Liberty and Virtue of any peo- 
ple; if Liberty be gone, Religion will infallibly languish 
to extinction. 

13. "We plead for Liberty, because it is the respecta- 
ble patroness of the liberal arts and sciences. This was 
doubtless the judgment of our pious and worthy ances- 
tors, who chose a wild desert with Liberty ; rather than 
the fruitful fields and beautiful gardens of their native 



46 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

land with slavery ; and who were in their first settlement, 
very zealous to erect a seminary of learning as well as 
to build and multiply christian churches. We desire to 
follow their noble example, to promote in our measure 
learning and liberty, in delightful and harmonious union, 
and would now recommend it to our children and their 
successors, forever, to be imitators of us, and of our tru- 
ly wise, and virtuous and venerable progenitors. 

14. " We think it our duty, on this occasion on behalf 
o^ ourselves and our dear country, to express our sincere 
gratitude to the respectable gentlemen of Boston for the 
light and counsel, they have presented to us in the circu- 
lar letter, and their many generous efforts in the cause 
of liberty, and it is our earnest prayer to Almighty God, 
that they may be animated, still to proceed and that they 
may prosper according to the desire of their hearts, and 
receive the most ample and durable reward. 

"And, That the above resolves be recorded on the town 
books of records, and that the Town Clerk give an at- 
tested copy to said Committee of Correspondence at Bos- 
ton. 

" The above being put to vote and passed in the affir- 
mative." 

"JOHN CHILDS, ) 

JON A. WHEELER, I n ... „ 
ANDREW SMITH, f ^ ommmee - 
JAMES DAVIS, j 

"JOHN CHILDS, Moderator?' 

The way was rapidly preparing for an open rupture 
between England and her American Colonies. The co- 
ercive measures of the British Parliament required the 
Colonists to acknowledge principles subversive of true 
liberty. Petitions and remonstrances failed to reconcile 
the parties. War came. " Disperse — Disperse — you 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. tf 

rebels; throw down your arms and disperse,"* were the 
words of Major Pitcairn, as he approached the sturdy 
yeomanry of Massachusetts, assembled upon the plains 
of Lexington. Then followed the discharge of muskets. 
Eight brave Americans fell. The shouts of an exulting 
foe, and the expiring groans of the dying, were harsh 
sounds, in the ears of men whose grandsires were Puri- 
tans. They were notes of alarm to every genuine lover 
of liberty throughout the colonies. This town furnished 
a company of 70 men, ready to leave their homes, at 
the first alarm. 

The population of the town, at that time, # numbcred 
about 750. f Nearly one tenth of the entire population 
was prepared to engage in actual service. During the 
progress of the war, drafts were made for soldiers from 
Holden, to serve at various military stations in the Nor- 
thern States. Wherever troubles existed, or dangers 
were apprehended, thither marched soldiers from this 
town. Some went to Rhode Island, others to New York, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The terms of 
service of individual soldiers in the common militia, 
when added, amount to 74 years, supposing it to have 
been performed by one man, at an expense to the town 
of £1,961-05-1 le?. J No reference is made in this calcu- 
lation to the soldiers in the regular continental army, un- 
der the immediate command of Washington. In this 
army 25 soldiers enlisted from Holden, for the term of 
3 years, or during the war. Each one of these men re- 
ceived £20 or more as Bounty money, at the time of their 
enlistment : So that during the year 1777, £763-0s-12d 
were paid from the town treasury to discharge the lia- 



* Holmes 'Annals, p. 204. 

+ See Note E. JTowa Records, vol. 2.— See Note F. 



48 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

bilities, which had been thus incurred, to enlist soldiers.* 
It would be interesting if time permitted, to narrate 
the history of each soldier, who went from Holden, to 
contend with the disciplined troops of England, upon 
the field of battle. I will allude to a few. Thomas 
Heard was the only person killed in actual service. He 
fell near Saratoga, N. Y., and his dead body was borne 
away by William Ebet. Moses Wheeler and Jeremiah 
Fuller died at Valley Forge, Penn., having suffered most 
intensely from cold and hunger. David Potter deserted 
to the enemy, having previously been saved from the ig- 
nominy of a public execution, by the timely interposition 
of Lady Washington. The conduct of his brother James 
was far different. He was among the foremost to o'er- 
leap the heights at Yorktown, causing thousands of the 
British soldiers to surrender, whilst their General. Lord 
Cornwallis surrenders his sword into the hand of Wash- 
ington. 

Capt. George Webb was the only commissioned officer, 
in the continental service from Holden. At the time of 
his enlistment, he was not an inhabitant of the town. 
He came with his family to this place during the war. 
Capt. Webb was a fearless soldier, and an high-spirited 
officer. Whenever an enterprise requiring bravery and 
skill, was to be undertaken, Washington and Lafayette 
knew Capt. Webb to be a man to their minds. I hold in 
my hand the original copy of a letter, addressed by Gen- 
eral Lafayette, to Capt. Webb. I will read the first sen- 
tence — " Dear Sir — Your successful skirmish had affor- 
ded me the most greatest pleasure, and I request you will 
receive yourself and present to your company my best 
thanks on the occasion."! It was in the company of 

♦State Records.— See Note G. 

t Letter found among the old papers of Capt. Webb. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 49 

Capt. Webb, that Deborah Sampson, an American young 
lady, served as a continental soldier, for nearly three 
years. She performed the duties of every station assign- 
ed to her, with punctual exactness, fidelity, and honor.* 
The hours of this day would not suffice, for me to re- 
hearse an account of the many bloody battles, and hair- 
breadth escapes, to the recital of which most of this au- 
dience have listened when a Rice, a Rogers, a Potter, a 
Nash, or a Flagg, would make himself the hero of his 
story, whilst perchance, he 

"Shouldcr'd liis crulch, and show'd bow fields were won." 

The citizens of Holden entered into a solemn covenant 
to sustain the committee, chosen to watch for the public 
safety, and voted that such persons as refused to unite 
with them should have their names published in the Bos- 
ton Gazette, as enemies of their country. The town, 
also, "voted that every blacksmith, shoemaker, miller and 
housewright do not directly or indirectly do or cause to 
be done any sort of business, in their respective occupa- 
tions for any of those persons" who would not si^n the 
covenant, which was to "be lodged at John Abbots', one 
month, for the inhabitants of Holden to sign."f Tradi- 
tion reports that a Mr. Goulding, living in the south part, 
was so offended with this measure of the town, that he 
immediately commenced building the grist mill, and saw 
mill now owned by Mr. Bennett. 

This decided movement was not regarded as sufficient 
for the general good. To prevent monopoly upon such 
articles as were considered the necessaries of life the 
Selectmen, and Committee of Safety were empowered 
by an Act of the Provincial Congress to establish uiti- 
mum prices. 



*IIer Memoirs. tTown Records, vol. 2, p. 15, January 3, 1775. 



50 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



" Farming labor from the 20th Jane, not to exceed 3 shillings per dsj. 



Wheat, 




6s 


Od 




per bushel; 


Indian Corn 




3s 


Od 




CC CC 


Spanish potatoes, 




U 


Id 




" •« in the fall; 


CC it 




6s 


6d 




" ** in the spring; 


Beans, 




6s 


Od 




C< CC 


Clean flax seed, 




6s 


Od 




CC CC 


Turnips, 




Os 


8d 




per bushel; 


Apples, 




Os 


8d 




CC CC 


Horse keeping over night 


i Is 


4d 






Oats, 




Os 


3d 




per mess; 


Lodging, 




Os 


3d 


If 


per night; 


Potluck, 




Os 


8d 




per meal; 


New England flip, 




Os 


9d 




per mug; 


West India flip, 




Os 


lid 




CC CC 


Good grass-fed beef, 




Os 


2d 


2f 


per lb.; 


New Milk, 




Os 


2d 




per quart; 


Tobacco, 




Os 


7d 




per lb.; 


A glass of New England 


rum 


2 coppers 




Doctor's travel, 6d pe 


r mile— 


-out; 






Shop joiner to have 3s 


per pie' 


ze for common colored chairs with bottoms; 


the rest of their work in 


the 


i same proportion."* 



Among papers belonging to the Rev. Mr. Avery, I have 
found a small memorandum book, which contains some 
•entries of peculiar interest. The book bears date 1782. 
That was a period of great distress among the people.. 
The war had been long. Money was scarce, and it was 
with some difficulty that Mr. Avery received his annual 
salary. His parishioners, however, were disposed to 
share with their pastor, the good things of life. " Mem- 
orandum of gifts received." "Of Dea. Hubbard, a piece 
of beef ; a pail of soap ; a loaf of bread ; a few candles ; 
2 quarts of milk ; a cheese and 4 lbs. of butter." w Of 
Mr. Abbott, a piece of beef and of pork ; also a spare- 
rib ; 3 candles ; some malt and a piece of bread, also 
two wash tubs and 30 nails, and a few hops." "Of 

♦Town Records, vol. 2, p. 40 & 41. —The above list might be enlarged 



HISTORY OF HOLDEf*. 51 

Lieut. Hubbard, a piece of beef, a cheese and some 
malt-. 7 ' "Of Mr. Ebnr Estabrook, a leg of pork.'' 
" Of Dea. Fiske, a piece of beef, Jan'y 5th." "Of Capt. 
Samuel Hubbard, a leg of pork and a spare-rib, Jan'y 
6th.'' "Of Mr. Howe, a piece of pork, Jan'y 6th." 
"Of Mr. Cheney, a cheese and some sausages." "Of 
Mr. Josiah Cheney, jr., some beans." "Of Mr. Jona. 
Rice, a leg of pork." "Of Mr. Winch, a piece of fresh 
meat — lamb." "Of Capt. Davis, a cheese and some 
sauce." "Of Aaron Wheeler, a broom, soon after I 
came to my house." "Of Moses Smith, 2 doz. candles, 
some butter." "Of Mr. Dryden, 1-2 doz. pigeons." 

The ladies of that day were equally thoughtful in re- 
gard to the wants of the Parish Priest. " Of Mrs. Benj. 
Flagg, a cheese." " Of Mrs. Fisk, a lb. of combed flax." 
"Of Mrs. Elisha Hubbard, some flax." "Of Mrs. Pot- 
ter, some butter and a broom." " Of Mrs. Newton, a 
piece of veal and a calf's head." " Of Mrs. Holt, some 
cloth for a shirt." " Of Mrs. Mead, some butter, apples, 
potatoes." "Of Mrs. Heard, a loin of veal." 

The most abundant .evidence might be adduced, to 
show, that the people of Holden unitedly, cordially, and 
manfully engaged with their fellow countrymen in the 
war of the revolution. The trials, hardships, and dan- 
gers of eight summer and eight winter campaigns had 
not quenched the ardent love of liberty m the bosoms of 
colonists, who could say, "We are two millions, one 
fifth fighting men. We are bold and vigorous, and we 
eall no man master."* It is not a point of uncertain 
conjecture, but of sober history, that the principles of 
liberty set forth in the Declaration of Independence had 
previously been a subject of discussion in almost every 
village throughout the thirteen colonies. A rough block 

* James Otis. 



52 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

of granite may be squared and polished, but that block 
was granite before the stone-hewer's tool and the burn- 
isher's instrument prepared its surface. The 14 resolu- 
tions passed by the citizens of Holden, and similar passed 
by other towns, contained the elements afterwards com- 
bined in that memorable document of State, in which 
the people of this land declared themselves — Indepen- 
dent, Free, and Equal. Taking the proceedings and re- 
solves of the inhabitants as evidence of the actual state 
of things among the colonists, no candid man can rise 
from their perusal, without the impression upon his mind 
that each village must have had its Jefferson, Adams, 
Sherman, Franklin, and Henry. 

The immediate and lasting effects of the revolutionary 
war, upon the interests of this town, deserve a few pass- 
ing remarks. The unwise policy of England was first 
felt along our sea-coast. (1.) Numerous families, hith- 
erto obtaining their livelihood from the seas, were driven 
to other pursuits. For this cause, not less than 10 fami- 
lies removed from Harwich and vicinity (upon the Cape") 
to Holden. Such were the Rogers settling two miles 
south. (2.) All lands belonging to persons supporting 
the cause of the mother country, were confiscated. Many 
hundreds of acres within this township, were thus trans- 
ferred to the State. The history of one tract, contain- 
ing about 600 »., deserves notice. This tract of wood- 
land belonged to William Brattle, Esq., of Cambridge. 
Under an Act of the Legislature, passed 1781, it was 
sold to pay State debts. Monsieur Pierre Matthieu An- 
dre, captain of the ship Jonathan, belonging to Jean 
Francis Billou of Marseilles, in the south of France, 
purchased this tract of land, for £1,124, or about $6 per 
acre. The ship Jonathan having been condemned, as 
itmseaworthy, was sold, and a part of the avails was in- 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 53 

vested' in the purchase of this land. For many years, it 
was under the care of Ebenezer Estabrook, senior, 
and subsequently under the care of his son. Sufficient 
wood, was, from time to time, cut off to pay the taxes. 
After much negotiation, it was sold in the year- 1826, for 
about $11 per acre. The proceeds were transmitted to 
the heirs of the original owner in France; a sufficient, 
amount having been deducted to defray expenses attend- 
ing the sale. The origin- of the name — French la?id, will 
have been apparent.* 

(3.) The war of the revolution had scarcely Been 
brought, to a happy termination, before internal disorders 
threatened the overthrow of the general government. 
The insurrection, known in history as the Shays' Re- 
bellion, stands prominent upon the annals of our coun- 
try. The spirit of disaffection very sensibly disturbed 
the order and decorum, which almost uniformly has char- 
acterized our town. I would now refrain from an allu- 
sion to this subject, if our town records, and the voice of 
tradition were silent. Historical truth, however, often 
duly checks and properly tempers the glow of admira- 
tion, which we sometimes feel when contemplating the 
patriotic exertions of our fathers. The financial inter- 
ests of our country were most deplorable, immediately 
subsequent to the war. Money was scarce. The cur- 
rency was in disorder. Public and private debts were 
great, and in some parts of the country the load was 
well-nigh insupportable.-]- To remedy a state of things 



* A manuscript volume belonging to William Lincoln, Esq. 

t " After eight years of war, Massachusetts stood, with the splendor of 
triumph, in republican poverty, bankrupt in resources, with no revenue but 
an expiring currency, and no metal in her treasury more than the conti- 
nental copper, bearing the devices of union and freedom. * * * * At 
length a flood of suits broke out. In 1784 more than 2000 were entered 
in the county of Worcester, then having a population less than 50,000, and 
in 1785, about 1700." — See Lincoln s History of Worcester, chap. 8. 

4* 



54 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

so undesirable, some of our citizens resorted to the most 
unjustifiable measures. Their wrath broke forth upon 
the Courts of Justice. Capt. Wheeler of Hubbardston, 
the first week of Sept., 1786, heading a band of armed 
men took possession of the Court House in Worcester. 
The standard of revolt, being raised, drew some of our 
townsmen from the duties of quiet and peaceable citizens. 
The court adjourned until December following. The in- 
surgents flushed with their partial success, returned 
home, to foment greater commotions. Other portions of 
the State caught the spirit of discontent. As the time 
approached for the session of the Court of Common 
Pleas in December, the insurgents (or Regulators as they 
styled themselves) headed by Daniel Shays, were gath- 
ering their forces in the vicinity of Worcester. The Court, 
in the mean time, opened at the Sun Tavern, (U. S. Ho- 
tel) and adjourned until January 23, without transacting 
farther business. December 6th, Shays entered Worces- 
ter mounted upon a white horse. About 800 troops form- 
ed his army. To compose this force numerous soldiers 
went from Holden. These incidents took place on Thurs- 
day. The next day was spent in consultation. A terri- 
ble storm of snow occurred Saturday. Gloom and des- 
pondency pervaded the bosoms of Shays' soldiers. Such 
as went from Holden, returned through the drifting snow 
to spend the Sabbath with their families. Shays conduc- 
ted the remnant of his forces to Springfield, to interrupt 
the Court of Common Pleas, about to commence its ses- 
sion at that place.* 

The Governor of Massachusetts called upon the Mili- 
tia of Boston and vicinity, to march under the command 
of. Gen. Lincoln, and to force the insurgents to surrender. 
Success crowned the efforts of the constituted authorities. 



•See Note II. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 55 

Peace was again restored to the country. I have freely 
spoken of the part taken by some of the citizens of Hol- 
den, because I became acquainted with many of the par- 
ticulars from the lips of a Regulator. In perfect good 
humor, he gave me a list of such Regulators, as went from 
Holder), not forgetting to enrol himself. 

Resolutions, disapproving the measures deemed jus- 
tifiable by some of the inhabitants of Holden, were pas- 
sed by a highly respectable body of men in town. Their 
names I feel myself honored to read.* The document, 
to which they were appended, is supposed to have been 
drafted by the Rev. Mr. Avery. These gentlemen caus- 
ed their protest, with some accompanying documents to 
be published in the Worcester Magazine, for the third 
week of January, 1787.f 

If this was a proper occasion, many palliating consid- 
erations might be suggested, which would go far to re- 
move the charge of treason from persons attempting, by 
military force, to arrest the legal Court sessions at Wor- 
cester and other places. 

The first meeting-house, exhibiting signs of decay, the 
question was discussed in Town Meeting, December 10, 
1787, " Shall the old meeting-house be repaired, or a new 
house built?" J It was the opinion of the town to 
build a new house. A committee was appointed to draft 
a plan and estimate the probable cost. The house was 
erected during the year 1789.$ Many of this audience 



*They were read at the time. + See Note I. t Town Records, vol. 2. 

§ A vote of the Town, May 10, 1790 : 

" Voted — That the committee chosen to provide rum and sugar, to treat 
spectators at the raising of ihe meeting-house he appointed to settle with 
Capt. Davis for the money he laid out forsd rum and sugar and to take part 
of the above said fourteen pounds of fine-money to settle it with." 

After the House was completed, and the people had become located in their 
respective pews, it was provided, that '"the wives sit in the seats opposite to, 
and equal in rank with, their husbands." Also — that the audience should 
oot leave their seats, until the Pastor and Deacons had passed out. 



56„ HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

remember to have worshipped in that house, which wa» 
rebuilt during the years 1827 and 8. An acre of land, 
in nearly the centre of which, this house stands, was 
given to the town of Holden for a public common, and. 
the accommodation of a public meeting house, 1789, by 
the Hon. John Hancock.* 

No sooner were the citizens, of Holden permitted to 
worship in their new house, than a vigorous effort was- 
made to erect good and- convenient school houses in dif- 
ferent parts of the town. In the- year 1793, the sum of 
£■400 was raised for this purpose. f It is most interesting 
to trace in the history of Holden, or any other communi- 
ty, the progress of the gospel and- the public instruction- 
of the young. When one is neglected the other languishes. 
They appear mutually to affect each. other. 

An. unpleasant controversy relating to church music, 
disturbed the peace of society in town, near the close ofi 
the 18th century. Some of the regular attendants upon 
public worship, refused to occupy their seats in the meet- 
ing-house, unless the psalms and hymns could be sung- 
without the aid of the unconsecrated viol and the unhal- 
lowed pitch-pipe. The venerable pastor exerted most- 
strenuously his peace-making talents. An uncommon 
share he was acknowledged to possess, A reconciliation 
between the parties was effected by the counsel and ad-* 
vice of so wise a mediator.^ After a few weeks had e-, 
lapsed, it was discovered to be more than a poetical truth, 
that 

*• Music had charms to soothe the savage breast." 

We are approaching the limit, where I proposed to 



* For and in consideration of the sum of five shillings, and of the love, 
good will and affection which I have and do bear to the town of Holden,. 
and from a respect to the public worship of God, do hereby give, grant, and 
convey to the said town of Holden — one acre of land." The Hon. Mr* 
Hancock's deed to the town of Holden. 

t Town Records, vol. 2. % Church Records. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 57 

close a connected narrative of the history of Holden. 
The last event in the 18th century deserving notice on 
the present occasion, is the just tribute of respect paid 
throughout the country to the lamented Washington. 
He died at Mount Vernon, December 14, 1 799. Congress 
recommended and set apart Feb. 22, 1800* as the day 
when the nation unitedly might render becoming public 
testimonials of their sorrow and grief for the illustrious 
DEAD. 

The citizens of Holden observed the day by engaging 
in appropriate exercises. The military parade was con- 
ducted by Capt. George Webb. A long procession pas- 
sed between files of soldiers, whose inclining heads res- 
ted upon their "arms reversed." An eulogy was pro- 
nounced by the Rev. Mr. Avery. The singing is repor- 
ted to have been excellent, and was conducted by Mr. 
Joseph Estabrook. The following lines, set to appropri- 
ate music, were sung: — 

" From Vernon's Mount, behold the Hero rise, 
Resplendent forms attend him through the skies ; 
The shades of War-worn Vet'rans round him throng. 
And lead enrapt their honored Chief along. 

" A liur.:l wreath th' immortal Warren bears ; 
An arch triumphal Mercer's hand prepares ; 
Young Lawrence 'erst th' avenging bolt of war 
With port majestic guides the glittering car ; 

*« Montgomery's God-like form directs the way, 
And Greene unfolds the gates of endless day, 
While angels trumpet tongn'd proclaim through air, 
Due honors for the first of men, prepare." 

If time could be spared in consistency with the other 
exercises of this anniversary, 1 would proceed to narrate 
historical events which have occurred during the past 
forty years. A history of the Baptist church; a con tin* 

* Washington's birth day. 



58 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

uation of the history of the Congregational church ; an 
account of our public and private schools ; a history of 
voluntary and benevolent societies ; municipal affairs ; 
military movements ; masonry ; history of the Post Office 
department; Justices of the peace ; Physicians; College 
graduates ; missionaries ; and numerous other topics 
would demand our attention.* 

Some have died among this people, whose memories 
deserve a grateful recollection. I must ask of this audi- 
ence the indulgence of a few' moments while I speak of 
the Rev. Joseph Avery. A century has passed since this 
town was organized, and during one half this period this 
Reverend gentleman sustained the office of Pastor to this 
people. He was a son of Dea. William Avery, South- 
parish, Dedham, and was born October "14, 1751. Be- 
fore the close of his 16th' year, he entered Cambridge 
University. During the third year of his collegiate 
course, his mind was uncommonly impressed with the 
subject of personal religion. His convictions for sin 
were deep and pungent, so that for a season he ceased to 
pursue the ordinary studies of his class. During the 
four years of college life, he ever maintained the charac- 
ter of a diligent scholar and upright young man. He 
has been heard to remark, that at one period, he was the 
only undergraduate at the University not addicted to the 
use of tobacco in some form. He graduated a member of 
the class of 1771, and had a highly respectable appoint- 
ment assigned to him for the commencement exercises. 
With some of his college acquaintance, he held a friendly 
correspondence long after leaving the hallowed retreats of 
Cambridge. Dr. Tappan, Hollis Professor at the Uni- 
versity, was an intimate friend and correspondent. The 
Rev. Mt. Avery's settlement in Holden took place Dec, 

* See Appendix 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 59 

1774. The Rev. Joseph Haven of Dedham, preached 
the ordination sermon, which was published. In Decem- 
ber, 1777, he was married to Miss Allen of Worcester, a 
neice of Samuel Adams. The intercourse of Mr. Avery 
with his family was uniformly characterized by kind- 
ness and affection. The temporal and spiritual welfare 
of his children was a subject of great solicitude. Fami- 
ly devotions were constant morning and evening, never 
being omitted on any other occasion than sickness. Sat- 
urdays were uniformly spent in making preparation for 
the Sabbath, and not unfrequently other days of the 
week. His sermons were usually written. He number- 
ed his sermons until 1816, when the number amounted 
to 2180 ; but continued to write until near the close of 
his ministry. The latest date, is in the year 1822. The 
number of sermons written during liis entire ministry 
would probably exceed 2300. It is not known that any 
of his sermons were published. He wrote frequently 
for the press. The marginal notes and references of 
Isaiah Thomas's Quarto Bible were examined and com- 
pared by him. Mr. Avery's style of writing was pure and 
chaste, and his doctrinal views evangelical and Calvinis- 
tic upon most theological points. Dr. Thomas Scott was 
his favorite commentator. During the unusually long 
period of his public ministry in Holden, he ever exhibit- 
ed the conduct of a peace-making minister of Christ. 
He was styled a Peace-maker. Enviable title ! Proud 
distinction ! He was never heard to complain of his ar- 
duous labors as a pastor. When some of his parishion- 
ers desired him to relinquish his pastoral charge, the 
tears were seen to course his cheeks furrowed by age. 
He loved the people of his charge, and his love was 
abiding until the close of his life. 

" Nor*'$r had chang'd, nor wish'd to change bis place." 



60 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

He was seen in the pulpit until within two weeks of his 
death, which occurred March 5, 1824* 

The honored and beloved consort of the venerable 
parson still lives, being now in the 87th year of her age.f 

Having spoken thus of a man, who lived and labored 
so long and faithfully among this people as a spiritual 
guide, I will make a few remarks upon the life and char- 
acter of another individual whose labors as a physician 
were uncommonly useful to the people of this and the 
neighboring towns, throughout a period of more than 
half a century. Doct. Isaac Chenery was born at Med- 
field, 1742 ; six weeks after the death of his father. 
Early in life, he entered the service of his country, as a 
soldier in the French and Indian War, and spent one 
campaign to the northward upon the lakes. He receiv- 
ed a serious injury upon his ancle soon after his return 
home. He was under the care of a surgeon, for nearly 
four years ; during which period, he commenced the 
study of physic and surgery, without having previously 
enjoyed the advantages of a good education. Blessed 
naturally with a vigorous constitution and a strong mind, 
after a few months study, he ventured to offer himself as 
a practitioner. In 1768 he settled in Holden, and by a 
faithful, tender and successful care of his patients, soon 
became extensively known as a physician and surgeon. 
During the revolutionary war, he spent one year as a 
surgeon in the army. His charges as a physician were 
uniform and moderate. In the social, relative and pub- 
lic duties of life, he was beloved and respected. His 
death occurred Oct. 20, 1822. He had nearly completed 
his 80th year. When death closed his long and labori- 
ous life, many tears of sorrow were shed over an affec- 



♦Manascript papers, now in the possession of Esq. White's family, Boy!- 
aton. t With her daughter, Mrs. White, Boylston. ^ 



HISTORY OF HOLDEH. 61 

tionate Father and Friend, by a numerous offspring and 
acquaintance.* 

The length of time spent in presenting such facts, as 
I have been able to gather, relating to the history of* 
Holden, will prevent me from indulging in remarks nat- 
urally suggested by the exercises of this day. 

The citizens of Holden have received abundant bles- 
sings, which impressively call upon them on this occa- 
sion to be devoutly thankful to God. Honest, intelli- 
gent, industrious, and religious ancestors are among the 
richest of any blessings to any people. Citizens of Hol- 
den : God has bestowed upon you that inestimable 
blessing. The wise man hath well observed, "The 
glory of children are their Fathers." I have found to be 
beautifully expressed by another,! m 7 concluding re- 
marks, — u Look not mournfully upon the past ; it comes 
not back again. Wisely improve the present ; it is thine. 
Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear, and 
with manly heart." 



Massachusetts Spy Obituary notice, t Professor Longfellow's Hyperion. 

6 



NOTES. 



[Note A.— See page 22.] 
first indian dked. 
July 13, 1674, 
Bee it known to all men by this present writing, that 
Wee, John, alias Horrawannonit, or Quiquonassett, Sa- 
gamore of Pakachoge, and Solomon, alias Woonaskochu. 
Sagamore of Tataessit, together with the consent of our 
kindred and people, and for and in consideration of twelve 
pounds of lawful money of New England, or the full 
value thereof, in other specie, to our content, within three 
months after the date hereof, well and truly to be paid, 
and satisfied, and pt. whereof, viz. two coats and four 
yards of trading cloth, valewed at twenty six shill. wee 
do acknowledge to have received in hand, as earnest, of 
Daniel Gookin senr. of Cambr. Esqr. and of Daniel 
Hinchman, of Boston, Brewer, in behalf of themselves 
and Capt. Thomas Prentice, and Lt. Richard Beers, and 
the rest of the Genii. Court's Comittee, appointed for the 
management of a new plantation granted by the said 
Court, conteyning eight miles square, or the contents 
thereof, being to the westward of Marlborough, near 
Quansiquamond Ponds, and on each side of the Road- 
way leading towards Connecticott ; Now know yee, yt 
wee, ye sd. Jno. and Solomon, Sagamores aforesaid, and 
upon the terms aforesaid, have bargained, sold, aliened, 
enfeeofFed, and confirmed, unto ye sd Daniel Gookin, 
Thomas Prentice, Daniel Hinchman, Richard Beers, and 
ye rest of the people admitted, or to be admitted, by ye 
sd comittee to be inhabitants of yt new plantation, and 



64 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

to their heirs, executors, admrs, and assigns for ever, in 
fee simple, all and every pt of our civill or natural! right, 
in all and singular the broken up land and woodlands, 
woods, trees, rivers, brooks, ponds, swamps, meadows, 
mineralls, or any other thing, or things whatsoever, lying 
and being within that tract of land, conteyning eight 
miles square or the contents thereof, to be layd out by 
ye sd persons or their order in time convenient. To have 
and to hold the premises, and every pt thereof, unto them 
the sd Daniel Gookin, Thomas Prentice, Daniel Hinch- 
man, and Richard Beers, and all ye rest of ye sd Inhab- 
itants admitted or to be admitted planters there, and un- 
to ym and yr heirs forever, freely and absolutely, with- 
out any lett, molestation, or disturbance, of us, or any 
of our kindred or people, or any claiming by, from, or 
under us, for evermore, as our heyrs or assigns ; and wee 
do promise, upon the finishing ye payment to make full 
and ample deeds and writings for the same, according to 
law. In witness of the truth hereof, wee ye sd John and 
Solomon, alias Horrowanonittand Wooannaskochu, have 
hereunto set our hands and seals, this thirteenth day of 

July, 1674. 

Solomon, alias Woonnasakochu, 
Signed, Sealed, and ) seal and mark, 

delivered in the > John, alias Hoorrawanwit, 
presence of us, ) mark and seal. 

Onnamog, his mark, Sagamore of Occonomesett. 

Namphow, his mark, sagamore of Wamesett. 

Joseph Thatcher, of Chabanakonchoie, his mark. 

Nosannowitt, his mark. Noah Wiswall, present. 

Full payment rec'd August 20, 1676. D. Gookin. 

This Deed acknowledged by the Sagamores, before 
Daniel Gookin, Sen. Assist. July 13. 

Entered, 9. 2. 83 by Thomas Danforth, R. 



history of holden. 6& 

second indian deed. 

February 12, 1677. 
Bee it known to all men by these presents, yt we, An- 
thony, alias Wunaweshawakmn, and Abagail his wife, 
only Daughter and Heyr of Pannasunet, late of Quan- 
sicamund, deceased; also Nannuswane, widdow and rel- 
ict of the said Pannasuned ; also Sasomett, and Quas- 
sawake his wife, sister to the said Pannasunitt, for and 
in consideration of full satisfaction in trucking cloth and 
corn, paid to and received by us, from Daniel Gookin, 
Esq. Capt. Thos. Prentice of Cambr, and Capt. Daniel 
Henchman of Boston, pd unto us and each of us, have 
bargained and sold, aliened, enfeoffed, and confirmed, 
and by these presents do bargaine, sell, alien, enfeoffe, 
and confirm, unto the said Daniel Gookin, Thomas Pren- 
tice, Daniel Henchman, for ye use of themselves, and all 
other their partners and associates yt are and shall be ad- 
mitted Inhabitants and planters, upon a township granted 
unto ye sd Daniel Gookin, Tho. Prentice, Daniel Hinch- 
man, by a General Court of Massachusetts, at a place 
between Marlborough and Brookfield, called by the In- 
dian Name Quansicamond Ponds, conteining ye contents 
of eight miles square, with all the lands, woods, meadows, 
watercourses, mineralls, or any other matter or thing, 
within the said tract which in naturall right belonged to' 
us, or any of us, and posses'd of, by the said Pannasu- 
net, Sagamore, or his heirs or kindred wtsoever : To Have 
and To Hold all the lands, both woodland and brokenup. 
lands, and all ye appurtenances, as aforesaid, to ym the 
said Daniel Gookin, Thomas Prentice, Daniel Henchman 
their heirs and associates, yt shall and may duely and le- 
gally possess and sett down upon their lands and planta- 
tion, and to their heirs, executors, administrators, or as- 
signs, for evermore, and the said Anthony, alias Wan- 
6* 



66 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

noshanuhannitt, and Abigail his wife, daughter and only 
heir to Panasunet, and her mother Nannaswane, and Sa- 
suet and his wife, Sister of Panasunet, being all Indians, 
and Natives, and Inhabitants, they and their ancestors, 
of that place and tract of land at Quansicamond Ponds, 
have good and just naturall right and interest in the said 
land, and do freely and absolutely sell and alien all the 
premises aforesaid, unto the said persons and their heirs 
forever, warranting ye lawful sale herein made, for us 
our heirs, executors and administrators, or from or by 
any person wtsoever. In witness whereof, we have here- 
unto set our hands and seals, this sixth day of the 12th 
Mo. 1677. 

Signed, Sealed and \ Anthony, Signed and Sealed, 

delivered in presence j Abagail, Signed and Sealed. 

of us, Nans wan, Signed and Sealed. 

John Elliott. ! Sasomet, Signed and Sealed. 



Quasonoit, Signed and Sealed. 



Nathaniel Gookin. 
Waban, his mark. 
James Speen, 
Simon Betoghom. 

This deed acknowledged by all ye subscribers, and 
sealed this 6. of Febr. 1677, before me, 

Daniel Gookin, Senr. Assist. 
Entered, 9. 2. 83. by Tho. Danforth R. 



[See page — .] 
" Here follows an account of the Lotts Drawn for 
pilches in the North half part of Worcester, as they were 
taken out the Hatt by the Moderator according to vote 
as aforesd to each proprietor is as follows — viz : — 

Colle! Adam Winthrop 1 Joshua Rice 81 

Will Hutchinson > . Capt. Prentice 16 

upon Ward J Thomas Leonard 61 

G^tes, upon Miller 65 Jonathn. Marble 8 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



Gershom Rice Jun 




72 


Wm. Hutchinson ~t 
upon Jonas Rice ) 




Newton & Britton 


'} 


30 


29 


up Jona. Moore 


Jn. Haggit 


58 


Ephraim Rice 




71 


Elisha Rice 


26 


Josiah Rice 




19 


Hapgood upon Miller 


63 


Daniel Heywood 




9 


John Smiths 


49 


Isaac VV heeler. 




7 


«« 


15 


Jn. Hubbard upon 


Stark 


35 


CC 


62 


Jna. Waldo upon 


Crosby 


66 


Deacon Rice } 
upon Gershom Rice ) 


56 


John Gray 




64 


Jn. Hinchman & Co 


11 


The Heirs of Danll Childs ) 
upon Jas. Rice $ 


18 


" 




57 


cc 




14 


Henry Lee } 


68 


Coll. Smith 




51 


upon James Rice ) 


Butler's Right 




67 


Capt. Jones 


4 


Thos. Bynny 




53 


" 


39 


John Gownding & Co 


21 


Rev. Jn. Gardner 


2 


Benja. Flagg 




36 


Ministerial 


23 


Gershom Rice 




46 


School 


4 


Benja. Flagg Jun. 




25 


Dickney Sergeant's } 
Heirs $ 


23 


Joshua Rice 




73 


Jona. Waldo 


) 


33 


Ward 


41 


upon Mr. Allen 


5 


«« 


44 


The heirs of Thos 


. Goulding 


3 


CI 


55 


Aha. Harding 


1 


13 


" 


50 


upon Danson 


Coll Hatch upon Lee 


69 


Jonathn. Bigelo 


! 


37 


Moses Leonard 


22 


upon Danson 


James Holding 


6 


Col. Fitch 




20 


Hen. Lee upon Hubbard 


52 


upon Danson 


Thos. Palmer Esq. J 




Jn. Dowell 


j 


42 


John Outon and > 


60 


upon Danson 


Cornelius Waldo j 




Capt. Haynes 




70 


" 


10 


James Taylor 




59 


cc 


28 


Thomas Rice 




32 


CC 


47 


Jonas Rica 




12 
33 


cc 


45 
24 


Aaron Adams 




17 


" 


54 


James Holme? 




27 


Jn. William Paine 


48 


Danll Bigelo 




43 










Gershom Rice, Moderator.' ' 



[Note B.— See page 30.] 

At a General Town meeting held at Worcester on 
March 3d, 1739-40. 

At said meeting voted that the Northerly part of ye 
Town Comonly called North Worcester agreeable to the 



68 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

pertition line formerly Run be set off a distinct & seprate 
Township if it be the pleasur of the grate and General 
Court in Consideration of their grate distance from ye 
place of publick worship. 

Attest John Chandler modrater 
A True Coppy as Entered & Examined 

pr. Jones Rice T Cler 

Worcester, May ye 13th. A. D. 1740. 

These may sarty, to yr Honurable General Court that 
we ye subscribers hearof, Inhabitants of ye North part 
of Worcester have met togather choosen and appointed 
Mr. John Beglo for us and in our behalf to caray a Peti- 
tion to ye Honurable Grate and General Court at their 
Sessions in May Instant praying that we may be set off 
a distinct and seperate Township according to ye vote 
which we have already obtained in ye Town of Wor- 
cester. 

Simon Davis William Clark 

James Smith Joseph Woolley 

Timothy Brown Jotham Biglo 

Abraham Walton John Child 

Samuel Davis William Caudon 

James Cowdin David Cowdin 

Jonathan Lovel benjamin biglo 

Thomas Broad Thomas Mukemullan 

John McConkey Samuel Hubbard 

Cyprian Stevens David Brown 

Samuell Clark Joseph Hubbard 

James Caldwall Samuel Heywood 

James Gray 

To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esqr. Captain 
General & Governor in chief in and over His Majesties 



HISTORY OF HOLDER. 69 

Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England. 
To the Honourable His Majesty's Council & the Honour* 
able House of Representative, Novr. 21, 1740. The Me- 
morial of John Bigelo & Cyprian Stevens for themselves 
and in behalf of the other inhabitants of the North half 
of the Town of Worcester humbly sheweth. That the 
Town of Worcester at their meeting in March last hav- 
ing by a vote then passed, signified their free consent, to 
dismiss the Inhabitants of the North part of sd Town in 
order to their being erected into a Distinct Township if 
this Honourable Court should think fit, and your memo- 
rialists made application accordingly at the Sessions in 
May last, and their Petition was not at that time Grant- 
ted by the whole Court, but only by a part. Our Cir- 
cumstances as we humbly apprehend being not fully 
known. We therefore beg leave to Inform this Honour- 
able Court, That since that time, Several persons have 
been added to our Number & divers others would have 
purchased land & settled with us, in case our petition 
had been then granted. Now in as much as our increase 
& flourishing have been much retarded for want thereof, 
and would be much promoted by our being made a Town, 
and the settlement of a Minister with us, in the meeting 
house which we have erected, much facilitated, and for 
want whereof we undergo great diflicultys, We humbly 
entreat your Excellency and Honours will now take our 
Necessitous case into your wise consideration & be pleas- 
ed to erect us into a distinct Township ; and your hum- 
ble memorialists as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c. 

John Biglo, 
Cyprian Stevens, 

Anno Regni Regis Georgii Secundi decimo quarto. 
An Act for erecting the Northerly part of the town of 



70 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

Worcester, in the county of Worcester, into a distinct 
and separate Township by the name of Holden. 

Whereas the inhabitants of the Northerly part of the 
town of Worcester, commonly called North Worcester, 
by reason of the great difficulties they labour under, have 
addressed this Court to be set off a separate and distinct 
Township, whereby the inhabitants of said Town have 
manifested their consent, 

Be it enacted by his Excellency the Governor, Coun- 
cil and Representatives in General Court assembled, and 
by the authority of the same — That the Northerly part 
of the Town of Worcester, within the following bounds, 
viz : — bounding South-easterly on the lines dividing the 
North and South Proprieties of said Town, and is known 
as the dividing line ; westerly partly on the Town of 
Leicester, and partly on the Town of Rutland ; and eas- 
terly on the Town of Shrewsbury, be and hereby is set 
off, from the Town of Worcester, and erected into a sep- 
arate and distinct Township by the name of Holden, and 
that the inhabitants thereof be and hereby are vested 
with all the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities which 
the inhabitants of other Towns within this Province, do 
and by right ought to enjoy. 

Provided nevertheless that the said new Town shall 
pay their proportionable part of all such Province and 
County taxes as are already assessd upon the Town of 
Worcester, in like manner as tho' this act had never been 
made. 

January 2, 1740. This bill having been read three sev- 
eral times in the House of Represen- 
tatives, Passed to be enacted. 

J. Qiiincy, Sp. 
January 2, 1740. This bill having been read three sev- 
eral times in the House of Represen- 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 71 

tatives, Passed to be enacted. 

J. Willard, Sec'ry. 
January 9, 1740. By his Excellency the Governor, I 
consent to the enacting of this bill. 
J. Belcher. 
In the House of Rep'ives, March 26, 1741. 

Ordered that Mr. John Bigelow a Principal Inhabitant 
of a New Town lately erected cut of the Northerly part 
of the Town of Worcester in the County of Worcester 
be and hereby is authorised and Impowred to assemble 
the Freeholders and other Qiialifyed Voters there on the 
first Monday of May next in some convenient publick 
place in said Town in order to their cruising a Town 
Clerk and other Town officers for the Year next Ensuing. 
Sent up for concurrence 

J. Quincy, Sp'kr. 
In Council March 27, 1741 Read & Concur'd 

J. Willard, Sec'y. 
Consent' d to 

J. Belcher. 



[Note C— See page 33.] 

FORMATION OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN HOLDEN. 

" December 22, 1742." 
n The following Churches being present with their 
Reverend Pastors and Delegates, viz : — The chh. in Lan- 
caster, Shrewsbury Worcester and Rutland, a church of 
Christ this day was gathered here & the Reverend Mr. 
Joseph Davis was ordained to the work of the gospel 
Ministry and the Pastoral office and charge of this church. 
" The Rev. Mr. Buckminster began with prayer. 
The Rev. Mr. Burr preached from Isaiah 5S : 1. 
The Rev. Mr. Prentice gave the charge, and 
The Rev. Mr. dishing the right hand of Fellowship.'* 



72 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

" The persons embodied belonged to the following 
churches : — 

Simon Davis 

Joseph Davis 

Cyprian Stevens v ' T? tl H 

Samuel Hubbard 

David Brown 

John Fletcher 

William Nickols in Reading. 

John Bigelow in Worcester. 

Jabez Harrington in Weston. 

These produced their letters dismissory and recom- 
mendatory, before embodied." 

The following were received at the gathering of the 
church : Samuel Pierce, Jotham Bigelow, Samuel Hey- 
wood, Joseph Hubbard &. Amos Hcywood. 

N. B. These were propounded sometime before." 



[Note D.— See page 40. 

EXTRACT CHH. RECORDS. 

" December 21, 1774. 

The following churches being present, by their Rev ; d. 
Pastors and Delegates, viz: The church in Rutland, 
Worcester, 1st in Shrewsbury, Paxton, 1st in Dedham, 
and 2d in Brookfield, the Rev'd. Joseph Avery was or- 
dained here to the work of the gospel ministry and to 
the pastoral office and charge of this church. 

The Rev. Mr. Inman prayed. 

The Rev. Mr. Haven preached.^ 

The Rev. Mr. Maccarty gave ye charge. 

The Rev. Mr. Buckminster gave the right hand of fel- 
lowship. 



The Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Haven was published. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



73 





[Note 


E.— 


Seepage 47.] 




CENSUS 


OF HOLDEN 


BY FAMILIES, 1773. 




David Winch 




5 


Wm. Raymond 


7 


Elijah Rice 




6 


Dea. David Fiske 


8 


Masten Holt 




5 


Sam'l Heywood 


9 


Moses Sticking 




11 


James Dods 


3 


Samuel Grant 




6 


Rd. Flagg 


5 


Job Colborn 




7 


Daniel Black 


6 


Win Nickols 




10 


Benja. Mead 


5 


John Perry 




8 


Isaac Bartlett 


11 


John Obens 




2 


Isaac Clienery 


8 


Abra. How 




3 


Isaac Davis, jun 


7 


Asa How 




7 


Nathaniel Shephard 


S 


Elisha Hubbard 




7 


John Gleason 


7 


Elijah Rice, Jun. 




6 


Peter Goulden 


6 


Peter Hubbard 




3 


Samuel Hubbard' 


7 


Wm. Harris 




y 


Joseph Kingsbury 


6 


Elisha Mirrick 




8 


Noah Haven 


3 


Aaron Newton 




3 


John Black 


5 


Joseph Morse 




10 


Jabez Harrington 


11 


Sam'l Estabrook, 


jun 


4 


James Chenery 


6 


Thos. Grout 




5 


Francis Wilson 


4 


Andrew Smith 




11 


Jona Howe 


6 


Dea. Joseph Hubbard 


7 


Ebenezr Melet 


5 


Jonas Gale 




11 


Joseph Greenwood 


5 


Wm. Marshall 




7 


Samuel Estabrook 


S 


Hezekiah Walkei 




3 


Josiah Cheney 


8 


Seth Snow 




7 


Charles Heyivood 


13 


Edmund Hall 




4 


Amos Heywood 


9 


John Winch 




9 


^Israel Davis 


S 


Josiah Broad, jun 




4 


Josiah Broad 


7 


John Abbott 




12 


Samuel Hubbard junr 


8 


Josiah Stratton 




8 


Asa Lovel 


4 


Jobn Wheeler 




4 


Peter No ice 


2 


Abel How 




3 


Ephraim Holt 


5 


Henry Taft 




9 


Bezaleel Fisk 


6 


Benjamin Allen 




6 


Increase Stearns 


9 


Paul Goodale 




5 


Judah Wright 


6 


Sam'l. Chaffin 




9 


Joseph Davis 


5 


Ephrairn Smith 




6 


Thomas Kimball 


8 


7 











74 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

Stephen White 6 Jeremiah Fuller 5 

Jona. Lovcll 8 David Perry 5 

Moses Wheeler, jun 2 Jesse Allen 5 



[Note F. — See page 47.] 
" The following is an account of what cost the Town 
of Holden has been at during the present war in part." 
70 men the first alarm at Cambridge, April 19, 1775, 
27 men 8 months at Winter Hill, May, 1775, 
12 men 6 weeks at Dotchester, December, 1775, 
18 men 2 months at Dotchester, February 1776, 

18 men 5 months at New York, July 1776, 

3 men 1 year at the Northward, 1776, 

4 men 5 months at Ticonderoga, July 1776, 
4 men 5 months at Boston, July 1776, 

15 men 2 months at New York, September 1776, 
15 men 3 months at the Jersies, December 1776, 

8 men 8 months at Rhodisland, upon a Request of the 
General Court, April 12, 1777, 

11 men 6 weeks at Bennington, July 1777, 

15 men 3 months at Stillwater, September 1777, 

7 men 2 months at Providence, May 1777, 
20 men 1 month at Fort Edward, October 1777, 

1 man 6 months to Guard Stores at Brookfield, June 1777, 

2 men 6 months to Guard Stores at Brookfield, Dec. 1777, 

9 men 3 months at Rutland as Guards, March 1778, 

3 men 6 months at Rutland, July 1778, 

4 men 3 months to Dotchester, Sept 1778, 

5 men 9 months to reinforce the continental army, July 1779, 187 10 

4 men 8 months to Peekskill, May 29, 1779, 

6 men 9 months to Rhodisland, March 1778, 

8 men 6 weeks at Newport, to reinforce Gen. Sullivan, 1778, 24 
3 men 6 weeks at Tiver Town, May 1779, 
2 men 3 months at Rutland to Guard, July 1779, 
2 men 3 months at Rutland, January 30, 1779, 

5 men 9 months at West Point, July 5, 1776, 
5 men 2 months at Rhodisland, Sept. 20, 1779, 
8 men 3 months to Claverick, October 9, 1779, 

19 men upon an alarm to Hadley, August 1777, 
2 men at Rutland, April 1780, 



£ 40 


s 


238 





26 


17 


30 





ISO 


5 


103 





52 





30 





63 





150 





64 





70 





90 





28 





38 





8 





12 





27 





18 





17 





),187 


10 


100 





50 





8, 24 





4 


15 


4 


10 


3 





187 


10 


10 


10 


58 


16 


26 





16 






HISTORY OP HOLDEN. 



75 



[Note G.— See page 48.] 

The following persons are known to have served in 
the Revolutionary War from Holden. 

Those names marked with a star served in the Con- 
tinental army* 



*Jeremiah Fuller 
*Peter Partridge 
*Ezra Rice 
♦David Potter 
♦Moses Wheeler 
♦Nathan Wheeler 
*Thomas Heard 
♦William Flagg 
♦Increase Stearns 
♦Andrew Allard 
♦Thomas Stevens 
♦John Griffin 
♦David Brown 
♦Thomas Kimball 
♦John^Williams 
♦Samuel Roe 
♦John Bayley 
♦Jonathan Bartlett 
♦Jonathan Flagg 
♦Simon Peter 
♦Barzilla Stickney 
♦William Ebet 
♦Daniel Perry 
♦Philip Boston 
John Abbott 
John Potter 
♦Artemas Dryden 
♦Increase Stearns, jr 
William Heard 
John Dodd 



Jabez Metcalf 
Johnathan Howe 
Joseph Howe 
Solomon Parmenter 
James Davis, jr 
Edmund Davis 
Jacob Black 
Nathaniel Shephanl 
Francis Wilson 
Samuel Thompson 
John Obens 
Samuel Hubbard 
Isaac Chenery 
Sparrow Crosby 
Jonathan Moore 
♦George Webb 
Bezaleel Turner 
Jonathan Nichols 
Tilla Chaffin 
Solomon Davis 
Daniel Grout 
♦James Potter 
♦Thomas Davis 
♦Samuel Grant 
♦Thomas Wheeler 
Aaron Wheeler 
Daniel Hinds 
Joshua Gale 
Simon Stickney 
Zillas Stickney 



N. B. This list is not supposed to be complete, as it was made from 
tradition. 



76 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

[Note H.— See page 54.] 

NOTICE OF DANIEL SHAYS.* 

" This individual acquired an unenviable notoriety 
which imparts some degree of interest to the incidents of 
his life. He was born in Hopkinton, in 1747; the son 
of parents not in affluent circumstances, he worked with 
Mr Brinley a respectable farmer of Framingham. The 
activity and energy of his youth promised at maturity 
more desirable elevation than he attained. That his ed- 
ucation was neglected, is apparent from his official let- 
ters, bidding defiance alike to government, to grammar, 
and good spelling. Just before the revolution, he re- 
moved to one of the towns beyond the Connecticut river, 
and afterwards resided in Pelham. When the war com- 
menced he entered the army at the age of twenty-eight, 
with the rank of Ensign, in Capt Dickinson's company, 
in Col. Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge's regiment. His 
ambition, activity, and the plausible manners covering 
the want of acquirements, joined with personal intrepid- 
ity, obtained promotion, and in 1776, he was appointed 
lieutenant in Col. Varnum's regiment. At a time when 
the line peculiarly needed reenforcement, he was detached 
on the recruiting service, with the promise of some suit- 
able reward for the enlistment of twenty men. For this 
purpose he visited his native state, and his unwearied 
exertions were crowned with ample success. When the 
complement assigned to him was filled, a plan suggested 
itself for grasping honor and pay at once. Finding the 
pulse of patriotism beat high, and the young men of New 
England were ready to devote themselves for their coun- 
try, he continued his enlistments. Insinuating address 
and bold representations, produced impressions of his 



* The contents of this note are taken entire, from Lincoln's history of 
Worcester, p. 369—371. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 77 

ability and influence, easily turned to his own advantage, 
and by holding out expectations of indulgence to those 
who should serve under his oommand, a company was 
raised, on the condition that he should be their captain. 
With these men he returned to the oamp, where they 
were mustered. When the inspector was about to dis- 
tribute them to different corps, Shays produced the en- 
listment papers; pointed to the condition which held 
them to serve under himself alone ; and requested the 
appointment of Captain. The necessity of the time pre- 
vented the sacrifice of so many recruits, and after indig- 
nant remonstrances, it was deemed expedient to yield to 
his demands. The commission was promised, and is- 
sued after long delay, in Sept. 1779, to relate back to Jan. 
1, 1777. Such is the account tradition gives of his mili- 
tary rank. The honors, ill won, were not long worn. 
He was discharged Oct. 14, 1780, at Newark, in New 
Jersey, from Col. Rufus Putnam's regiment. 

The deficiency of honorable sentiment in his mental 
constitution, may be inferred from a characteristic inci- 
dent. Lafayette had presented, in 1780, to each of the 
American officers under his immediate command, an ele- 
gant sword. Such pledge of regard from the patriot 
chief, a soldier with a spark of generous feeling, would 
have cherished as his dearest possession, and transmitted 
to his posterity as an heirloom of inestimable value. 
Shays sold the gift of his commander for a few dollars. 

After being disbanded, he retired to Pelham, and lived 
in obscurity. Bankrupt in fortune and in fame, Shays 
was ready to embark on the flood of any desperate ad- 
venture. Without the energetic decision or enlarged 
conceptions, the strong spirit or the bold daring, which 
befit a leader, by some accident, he was elevated to the 
command of the insurgents. Of capacity too humble to, 

7# 



73 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



direct the movements of an army in those moments when 
the force of talent makes itself felt by triumphant results, 
and turns even obstructions into encouragements, he was 
weak, vacillating, and irresolute. It was providential 
that the physical power of the arm of rebellion had so 
feeble a head to direct its blow. 

With the first shade of adversity, he made indirect 
overtures to the agents of government, to abandon his 
comrades to their fate, on assurance of personal safety : 
and when his base propositions were rejected, and prom- 
ises of indemnity and pardon were offered to his follow- 
ers, his persuasions induced them to reject the proffered 
mercy and retain the arms of hopeless controversy, to 
purchase by their sacrifice security for himself. 

When the insurrection was crushed, he retired to Ver- 
mont. After the lapse of a few years, the general of the 
rebellion, passed through the streets of Worcester, which 
he once entered at the head of an army, and received as- 
sistance from those whose homes he had threatened with 
desolation. 

At length he removed to Sparta, in New York. As a 
pensioner of the United States, he derived his daily bread 
from the government, whose forces he had encountered 
in arms. Declarations filed in the department of war by 
himself, show that his family consisted of an aged wife, 
. and that he lived in extreme poverty. He died Sept. 29, 
1825, aged 78 * 

However much the honor and integrity of Daniel Shays 



* He married Nancy Haven, a widow. The schedule of his property in 
1820, filed in the pension office, exhibits a condition of almost utter destitu- 
tion. It is as follows: 

1 mare, $25 : 1 oid saddle, $2 50: bridle, 50: 1 old cutter, $5: 1 old 
axe, 62 1-2 cents: 1 hoe, 62 1-2 cents: 1 table, $3: 3 chairs $1 12 1-2: 
1 old scythe and snath, 1 12 1-2: 1 old pail, 12 1-2 cents: 1 large bible, $1: 
amounting to §40 62. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 79 

were questioned, his courage was never disputed He 
was in the battle of Bunker's Hill, at the capture of Bur- 
goyne, and at the storming of Stoney Point; was under 
Lafayette, and did good service in many bloody encoun- 
ters. A severe wound, received, during the revolution, 
was honorary testimonial of intrepidity. When Shep- 
ard and himself met at Springfield, the former addressed 
him by the title of general : Shays instantly demanded 
an explanation, declaring he claimed no rank but that of 
captain, and added laying his hand on his sword, that if 
different designation was given, he should consider it 
insult, and would exact immediate satisfaction on the 
spot. 

An aged inhabitant of Hopkinton, who was school- 
mate of the rebel captain, states that he was born on the 
farm in that town, still called the 'Shays place,' situ- 
ated on Saddle Hill, about two miles west of the meet- 
ing house ; that he made his home there principally, un- 
til he removed with his father, to a place beyond Con- 
necticut river, which, as is supposed, was Great Barring- 
ton. The estate where his early youth was passed, has 
long been deserted as a human habitation, and the forest 
which has overgrown the forsaken orchard is intersper- 
sed at regular intervals, with aged apple trees. 

An estimable and respected clergyman relates, that 
soon after he began to preach as a candidate, he was em- 
ployed at Pelham ; on the first Sunday of his visit there, 
he observed a very well dressed gentleman, with a mili- 
tary air, enter the meeting-house : immediately every 
pew door from the bottom to the top of the aisle was 
thrown open, and he was received with the most respect- 
ful salutations : this distinguished person was Daniel 
Shays who had just returned to that town,, with the par- 



80 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

don of the government, and lived upon the west side of 
the east hill. The next day, Shays called on the cler- 
gyman, and held long discourse about his labors and suf* 
ferings. He said he had been entirely deceived in res- 
pect to the feelings of the people : that he had received 
assurances that if he would collect an hundred men, and 
march in any direction, multitudes would flock to his 
standard. Relying on these representations, he began 
his march with a small force, but found he produced little 
sensation and that few joined him : at night, he thought 
it necessary to preserve the appearance of military or-* 
ganization and to mount guard, and ordered a man to 
stand sentry ; 'no I won't,' was the reply to the com- 
mander, ' let that man, he is not so sick as I be' ; the 
second man refused, desiring him to take another who was 
stronger, and the chief of the insurrection found himself 
without authority at the head of a tumultuary army. 

A soldier of the rebellion, who had fled from Springs 
field to Pelham, without stopping and hid his gun under 
the barn floor, asked Shays why he did not stand his 
ground? the reply was 'you know, if I had, I must 
have stood alone.' 

The clergyman describes Shays as an agreeable and 
intelligent person, and the day he spent with him as one 
of the most interesting of his life. 

These particulars have been obligingly communicate $ 
by Samuel B. Walcottj Esq. of Hopkinton. :j 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 81 

[Note I.— See Page 55.] 

DOCUMENTS FROM THE WORCESTER MAGAZINE. 

Mr. Editor, — You are desired, by a number of the In- 
habitants of the Town of Holden, to give the following 
authentick Papers a place in your next Magazine. 

A true and exact Copy, attested by the Town Clerk, of 
a LETTER from RUGGLES SPOONER, to the In- 
habitants of the Town of HOLDEN, viz. 

To the Inhabitence of the Town of Holden 
Gentlemen 
The Request of a Committee of the Body on the 
Ground is as Follows (vis) that this body Right to each 
town in This County To Petition to the Governor and 
Counsell to Liberate Capt, Shattuck and all the men 
Taken by Government on account of the Late Rising of 
the People Called Regulaters and Confined in any of the 
Goals in this Common Welth and that the Governor Isue 
his Proclamation forthwith that no Person shall bee In- 
jured or Molisted in Person or Property, or Here after be 
taken Molisted or Injured in Consequence of the Late 
Rising of the People in stoping Courts in this Common- 
welth the Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions 
of the Peas May be suspended untill a new Choice of the 
General Court Takes Place according to the Constitution 
in Consequence of Which all those that are in opposition 
to the Present modes of Goverment and the administra- 
tion of the Same Promis to Remain Peasable and Quiet 
in Expectation of having at the Next General Court a 
new Election Every Immaganary Grievance Displayed 
by the Light of truth of having Every Real Redress 
Furthermore that if the Governer Cannot Consistantly 
Grant the Prayr of the above Petition that his Excelen- 



82 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

cy Caul the Generall Court to Geather Immediatly For 

the above Purpose Worcester 7th 1786 

Beer I 

Ruggles Spooner ) modarat 

We desire that the town may be calld to Geather Imme- 
diately to Conseder of the above Letter and make Re- 
turn to head Quarters Which is at Rutland or on their 
Way to Westown 

The above is a true Copy. 
Attest, David Fisk, Town-Clerk. 



In consequence of the foregoing Letter, the Selectmen of 
Holden granted a Warrant for calling a meeting of 
the Town ; the town met accordingly, and adopted the 
following PETITION, viz. 
To his Excellency James Bowdoin, Esq, Governour and 
Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts, and to the Hon. the Council, now sitting at 
Boston. 
The Petition of the town of Holden, regularly assembled 
this ISth day of December, 1786, in order to considt 
upon the publick good in this distressing day, and to 
take into consideration a certain request coming from 
a Body of People under the command of Capt. Shays 
and CapL Wheeler, 

Humbly Sheweth, 
That whereas a number of the people in the County 
of Worcester, with a number in other counties, have 
lately arisen, in order to prevent the sitting of the Court 
of Common Pleas and the Court of General Sessions of 
the Peace, by force of arms, which method of proceed- 
ing we view with grief and disapprobation, when other 
means more regular and constitutional might have been 
taken for a redress of grievances, which we apprehend 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 83 

was their view in rising as abovesaid, and not from a 
view to destroy government ; though we confess that 
such hostilities, if persisted in, has a direct tendency 
thereto ; but now, from a more mature and deliberate 
consideration of the matter, we would hope they are 
sensible of their errour in being so hasty in their pro- 
ceedings, and we trust now would be glad, if they could 
have an opportunity therefor, to consult the good of this 
Commonwealth and the majority of the people, and for 
the future proceed ill a more legal and constitutional 
way ; Therefore your Petitioners, from a sense of loyal- 
ty, peace and good order, Humbly Pray, that the follow- 
ing request may be granted, viz. That all those men that 
have been taken by government, in consequence of the 
late risings of the people, and committed to goal, may be 
liberated, and that a Proclamation be immediately issued, 
that no man shall be molested in person or property in 
consequence of the late rising of the people as aforesaid, 
so long as they shall remain peaceable and quiet ; and 
likewise that the Courts of Common Pleas and the Courts 
of General Sessions of the Peaoe 3 in the counties of 
\\ orcester, Berkshire, and Hampshire, may be suspended 
until June next, and in order for this we humbly desire 
that your Excellency and your Honours would call the 
General Court together immediately. Hoping all pub- 
lick matters may be over-ruled for the weal and pros- 
perity of this Commonwealth, your Petitioners as in duty 
bound shall ever pray. 

A true Copy. Attest, David Fisk, Town-Clerk. 

This Petition to be presented by Mr. Aaron Broad, ac- 
cording to the vote of the town. 

Attest. David Fisk, Town-Clerk, 



WweflgSBBHsBsHaraCow^ 



84 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

As a Vote was obtained for adopting the foregoing Pe- 
tition, the following PROTEST was made, viz. 
We the subscribers are fully sensible of the folly and 
impropriety of joining in a Petition to the Governour and 
Council, agreeably to the request of a number of per- 
sons, styling themselves a Committee on the Ground, and 
dated at Worcester, 7th December, 1786, signed Ruggles 
Spooner, Moderator, for the purpose of praying for an 
act of pardon for those people who have appeared in 
arms since the act of indemnity, and also praying for 
the releasment of those persons confined in prison for 
treasonable acts against the government of the Common- 
wealth : — Because that we apprehend that the, Gover- 
nour and Council have no right, without the legislative 
body, to make any act of indemnity for any treason done 
and committed against the government : — And we are 
not willing, as being citizens of the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, to ask for what we know the Governour 
and Council cannot grant by that Constitution of Gov- 
ernment which has been established by the general con- 
sent of the people. As for the releasement of those per- 
sons who have been treasonably guilty of rising in arms, 
and are now imprisoned for their overt acts, we cannot 
conceive that we ought to interfere or petition for their 
releasement, as they have acted with their eyes open, 
after the government had pardoned their first offence : 
Therefore we protest against any doings of this town in 
the matter, or paying any regard to the request of the 
aforesaid Committee. And as to that part which requests 
the town to petition the Governour to call the Assembly 
together, we cannot assent to it, believing him to be the 
most competent judge of the necessity of convening the 
General Court. 

John Child, John Abbott, 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 85 

Richard Flagg, Reuben Paddock, 

Samuel Heywood, Noah Haven, 

Amos Hey wood) Samuel Chicker ing, 

Paid Goodale, James Davis. 
Isaiah Brown, 
December 28, 1786. 
.4 true Copy. Attest, David Fi*k, Town-Clerk. 



We whose names are under written, inhabitants of the 
town of Holden, impressed with a sense of our duty, as 
members of society, and aware that in a crisis of dan- 
ger, no nerve should be left unexerted to promote and 
secure the public weal, and being deeply affected with 
those violent measures, with which this State has been 
agitated, feel ourselves called upon, explicitly to declare 
our sentiments, and bear our honest and faithful testi- 
mony against those violent and unwarrantable insurrec- 
tions against government, which have thrown the whole 
State into confusion, and threatens even the miseries and 
horrors of a civil war : — We now therefore declare our 
utter and hearty disapprobation of the conduct of those 
who have appeared in arms of late, to obstruct, by force, 
the sitting of the Courts of justice in this State, and that 
it may be evident that we bear this testimony, not with- 
out great and sufficient cause, we give the following 
reasons, that those insurrections were unnecessary and 
unreasonable, without any real or supposed object to jus- 
tify them, tending in their nature to subvert all order 
and peace in the community, and to rob it of that which 
is its beauty, strength, and glory — to cut the sinews of 
government, to sap the foundation of our .liberty, and to 
increase those burdens already complained of by some 
as intolerable, and to plunge the insurgents themselves, 
in a labyrinth of woe. — We shall now endeavour to sup- 
8 



86 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

port what is here advanced, and then shall be able to 
make our appeal to the world, as to the justice of our 
present testimony. That the late insurrections were un- 
necessary, is sufficiently evident from this — whenever 
any object can be obtained without recourse to arms, 
then the rising with arms is unnecessary, and if, for in- 
stance, it was the evident declared sense of the major 
part of the people, that there should be an alteration, or 
an abolition, of any court of justice, it might be effected 
in a constitutional way ; the same may be said of any 
thing that is regarded as an evil, and which is in the 
power of the general assembly to remove — therefore it is 
unnecessary to rise in arms to accomplish any thing the 
people at large wish to effect, and which is consistent 
with the constitution they have freely established : The 
annual election of the various branches of the legislative 
body, by the people, is a sufficient proof of this. The 
unreasonableness of the late attack on government, is 
conclusively argued thus — what has been established by 
the general consent of the people, for the regular distri- 
bution of justice, it is reasonable should be supported 
and defended, until the people, taught by experience it is 
capable of being altered for the better, have made the 
necessary reform ; and it is impossible in the nature of 
things, that it should be reasonable to pull down by 
force, what ought in reason to be defended ; for reason 
never contradicts, or is opposed to itself. — We further 
observe, that to justify a body of people for rising in 
arms, the evil to be removed ought to be very great — 
and for the removal of which, all other methods of re- 
dress, are upon trial, found ineffectual ; — and this can 
never with truth be asserted by the insurgents, as to the 
evils they pretend to oppose — and that the late illegal 
attack on government, is subversive of order and peace 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 87 

in the community, may sufficiently appear on a mo- 
ment's reflection ; for if one, two, or three hundred men, 
in one part of the State, may fly to arms, to destroy 
what is not agreeable to their minds, the same number 
in another part may plead the same reason, and the force 
of example in others, to justify them in rising against 
what they dislike, and so by this means, the State be 
kept in a perpetual alarm, and peace and order be anni- 
hilated among them. We now further remark, that mu- 
tual benevolence, harmonizing in measures for the pub- 
lick good, and mutual confidence, is the ornament and 
strength of society ; but the late violences against gov- 
ernment, have produced the most wretched disaffection 
between neighbor and neighbor, and in some instances, 
no doubt, between the nearest relations and connexions 
in life — have confounded every thing like harmony for 
the publick good — given a pernicious stab to reciprocal 
confidence in one another, and that these violences tend 
to cut the nerves of government is no less evident ; they 
are in fact declaring those in authority, to be enemies to 
the publick good ; if not, why in arms against them 1 
So far therefore as it has its natural impression on the 
minds of the people, it instils and rivets the most wretch- 
ed prejudices against them— every thing that is said 
against them is believed— every thing almost that they 
do, is excepted against, without the ceremony of enquir- 
ing into the reasons of it ; opposition to them, is estimated 
rather as a virtue than a vice, and exertions to support 
government are deemed the strides of tyranny— we may 
instance here, the exertions of our worthy Governour to 
suppress the opposition to the regular course of justice ; 
this has produced prejudices against him in many, and 
bitter invectives from some ; though he was bound by 
solemn oath to defend the courts of justice, and would 



8S HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

have betrayed the trust reposed in him as chief magis- 
trate, if he had taken no measures to this end : It is not 
to the purpose here, to assert that the courts ought to be 
abolished ; for the Governour, as such, has no right to 
withhold his support to the laws of the State, though he 
himself or many others apprehend they may be altered 
for the better, until the alteration is actually made by 
legal authority ; for if he may cease to defend one branch 
of the government, because of the disaffection of some, 
he may by the same rule cease to defend another part, 
for the clamours of others, and so government must sink 
immediately ; it is clear therefore that what we testify 
against, tends to destroy the very sinews of government 
— nor is it difficult to discern its tendency to sap the 
foundations of our present liberties. — There is no com- 
munity under Heaven, where the liberty of the people 
at large is more fully in their own hands. If a govern- 
ment so popular should be destroyed by usurpation, or 
in other words, by the insurgents, this must naturally 
issue in a more tyrannical mode of government — more- 
over it would be wisdom to remember, that if men of 
ability and property in the State, should be worn down 
by ineffectual exertions to support the present mode of 
government, by reason of such insurrections, it will not 
be strange, if in a future day they should turn and bend 
all their exertions to bring about a government less free 
and popular. — The next thing to be supported, will per- 
haps, particularly apply to our feelings in general, that 
the hostile measures of the insurgents, tend to increase 
the burdens already complained of. — These measures 
discharge no debts, pay no taxes, they produce cost on 
the part of government for its support, and on the part 
of the opposition there is loss of time and treasure : — If 
they do not overthrow the present government, their 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 89 

burdens will be increased, and if they do, their burdens 
will be more augmented still, by the time another is 
established — so let things turn as they may, they are to 
expect an increase of burdens. If it should be replied, 
that in this way it is expected to remove some things 
that are impoverishing, to this it is answered, that no- 
thing in this way can be removed that is an evil, which 
could not be without this accumulation of cost. We 
now add as to the insurgents plunging themselves in a 
labyrinth of woe— that if they persevere until the sword 
decides the controversy, and should they triumph by the 
dint of arms, they will have the piercing reflection, that 
many of their friends as well as others are sacrificed to 
save a comparatively small expence — their property 
wasted, lost to a great degree, and will experience the 
most insuperable difficulties, in establishing a govern- 
ment that will preserve them from internal distraction, 
or foreign invasion ; but when we mention their triumph 
in arms, we esteem an expectation of it as merely vision- 
ary, and such an event as is contrary to all human pro- 
bability. If called into the field of war, where are their 
resources ? Money sufficient to carry on a war they 
have not ; no nation on earth, or individuals of property 
would lend them this, in the present unorganized state, 
as there would be almost a moral certainty that they 
would loose it. If they made paper money, in their 
present state, they could give it no credit by any thing 
but the point of the bayonet, and this is no credit at all. 
They have no system of government to give directions 
and force to their movements— are greatly deficient in 
their apparatus for war ; — a most formidable force from 
this, and if need be from the other States, far better pre- 
pared than themselves, they would have to combat ; the 
scorn and contempt of foreigners they might expect foy 
8* 



90 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

their folly and impolicy ; and what is more than all the 
rest, the frowns of Heaven, as the guilty cause of blood- 
shed and miseries, without any thing to justify their hos- 
tilities ; so that they might soon expect to lie at the mer- 
ry of those, whose resentments would be whetted against 
them, by the most cruel injuries and insults. As these 
insurrections therefore, are so totally wrong, impoliticly 
and of such pernicious tendency, we esteem ourselves as 
bound in duty, to use our influence to suppress, and pre- 
vent them if possible ; — and as yet, we hope that the 
most tragical events to which they tend, may be pre- 
vented. As to the request from a body of men under 
arms, communicated to this town, waving any observa- 
tions on what is contained therein, we regard it as im- 
politick, and unreasonable to grant it— and apprehend a 
compliance therewith, would be dishonourary and preju- 
dicial to the town ; at the same time declare, that we 
have full confidence, that if the insurgents will now lay 
down their arms, and throw themselves on the clemency 
of government, they will experience this to the utmost 
extent of what humanity shall dictate, or the safety and 
honour of the State will admit of, even now when they 
stand chargeable with having insulted clemency itself. — • 
But as to the small number that have joined that body 
from this town, we declare our sincere sorrow for them, 
charitably believe they were drawn into it, by the insti- 
gation of designing men, and for the want of knowing 
the tendency of such measures, and that they have not 
the destruction of government in contemplation — that in 
concert with others, they have practically levelled a 
blow at the very foundation of it ; and if they will now 
assure the town of a conviction of their errour, and their 
tixed resolution to renounce such measures, it will not 
>nly afford us the sincerest pleasure, but induce us, if 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



91 



desired, to use our friendly influence, that they may ex- 
perience the clemency of government, and share in com- 
mon with us, the blessings and protection of good gov- 
ernment. We close with expressing our fervent wishes, 
that every unnecessary burden may be prevented, and 
every necessary one speedily lightened ; that benevolence 
friendship, and union, may pervade this and every Stale 
in the union ; that peace and tranquility may be restored 
where interrupted — good government supported, and jus- 
tice executed in them — that the smiles of propitious 
Heaven may attend them, and the latest posterity may 
rejoice in a fair inheritance, transmitted to them through 
succeeding generations. 



John Child, 
Richard Flagg, 
Samuel Heywood, 
Amos Heywood, 
Reuben Paddock, 
James Davis, 
Isaiah Brown, 
Thomas Knowles, 
John Abbott, 
Paul Goodale, 
Samuel Chickering, 
John Dods, 
George Webb, 
Jonas Hubbard, 
John Holden, 



Israel Davis, jun. 
Edmund Hall, 
Asa Greenwood, 
James Dods, 
Joseph Hubbard. 
Joseph Hubbard, jun. 
Tilly Hubbard, 
Samuel Hubbard, 
Elnathan Davis, 
Sam. Heywood, jun. 
Samuel Damon, 
Benjamin Flagg, 
Lemuel Abbott, 
Aaron Newell, 
Abel Howe. 



APPENDIX. 



Municipal Officers — Congregational Church — Pastors 
AxND Deacons, Cong, church — Baptist Church — Pas- 
tors, Bap. church — Gentlemen's and Ladies' Mission- 
art Society — Judah Wright— Society for Detecting 
Theives — Topography — Justices — Lawyer — College 
Graduates — Missionaries— Post Masters — Physicians 
— Masonry — Military Affairs — Schools — Population 
— Valuations — Manufactures — Things in general. 



MUNICIPAL OFFICERS. . . . 1741— 1841. 



Cyprian Stevens, 
Samuel Hey wood, 
Samuel Peirce, 
Joseph Greenwood, 
Israel Davis, 
John Childs, jr., 
David Fiske, 
Noah Haven, 
John Dodd, 
William Dodd, 
Paul Davis, 
Paul Davis, jr., 



Simon Davis, 



town clerks. 

1741—46. 
1747—51. 
1752, 54—57. 
1753. 

175S— 74, 78—81. 

1775—82. 

1783— 86, 88, 89. 

17S7. 

1790— 1801. 

1S02. 

1803—20. 

1821—41. 

SELECTMEN. 

1741—43. 



M 



4, 



94 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

John Biglo, 1741—46, 48—51, 55, 56, 61. 

Cyprian Stevens, 1741, 44 — 46. 

Samuel Thompson, 1742, 54. 

Samuel Peirce, 1743, 46, 48—52, 56—58. 

Samuel Heywood, 1744, 48—51, 59, 60, 64, 66. 

David Brown, 1745. 

Samuel Hubbard, 1747, 53 — 55, 57, 62, 64. 

Jonathan Lovell, 1747, 52, 59, 60. 

William Nichols, 1747. 

Richard Flagg, 1752—58, 60, 63, 79, 80. 

Israel Davis, 1753—55, 58—60, 63—71. 

Joseph Hubbard, 1753—55, 61, 62, 64—67, 72, 73. 

Joseph Greenwood, 1753, 61. 

James Boyd, 1756 — 58. 

Amos Heywood, 1756, 57, 62, 63, 80. 

John Child, 1758, 62—67, 70—76. 

Benjamin Howard, 1759. 

Bezaleel Fiske, 1759, 60. 

Jonathan Rice, 1761, 67—71, 74—76. 

David Fiske, 1761, 62, 69—71, 77, 78, 83. 

Jonathan Wheeler, 1763, 72. 

Isaac Smith, 1765. 

Benjamin Mead, 1765—71, 73—75, 79. 

Paul Raymond, 1768, 69, 73 — 77. 

Ignatius Goulding, 1768. 

Andrew Smith, 1772. 

James Davis, 1772—79, 84. 

Moses Smith, 1776—78, 80. 

John Child, jr. 1777. 

Jason Gleason, 1778, 79, 88. 

John Perry, 1778—81. 

Samuel Thompson, 1780, 82, 83. 

Elisha Hubbard, 1781—83, 86, 87. 

Noah Haven, 1781, 83. 



i 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 95 



Francis Wiloon, 1781, 87. 



John Child, 1782, 83. 

William Nichols. 1782. 

Josiah Stratton, 1782, 88—91. 

Ebenezer Estabrook, 1784—86, 88, 90, 91, 94, 98—1803. 



Henry Taft, 


1784, 89—91. 


Israel Davis, jr. 


1784—87. 


Elisha Myrick, 


1784, 85. 


Nathan Harrington, 


1785. 


Isaac Chenery, 


1785, 86, 88, 89. 


John Dodd, 


1786, 94—97. 


Samuel Hubbard, 


1787, 92—95, 98—1 


Isaiah Brown, 


1787. 


John Davis, 


1789, 90—97. 


David Smith, 


1789—97. 


George Webb, 


1792, 93. 


Samuel Damon, 


1792—97. 


William Drury, 


1795—97, 1801, 05. 


Peter Hubbard, 


179S— 1800. 


Lemuel Abbott, 


1798—1806. 


Elnathan Davis, 


1798, 1802—04. 


James Dodd, 


1799, 1800. 


Joseph Daniels. 


1801, 03. 


Tilla Chaffin, 


1804—08. 


Asa Wheeler, 


1804—09. 


Ethan Davis, 


1805—17. 


Heman Richardson, 


1806—11. 


Samuel Heywood, 


1S07— 11. 


Asa Greenwood, 


1S09— 18. 


Lemuel Davis, 


1S10— 14. 


John Chaffin, 


1812—16. 


Abner Perry, 


1812—15, 20—26. 


Silas Flagg, 


1S15, 17—26. 



1801. 



96 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



Paul Davis, jr. 


1816—19. 






Samuel Damon, 


1816—21, 


27- 


-31, 36. 


James Bailey, 


1818, 19. 






Daniel Knowlton, 


1819, 20. 






John Davis, 


1820, 21. 






James Estabrook, 


1821—21. 






William Metcalf, 


1822—26, 


30. 




Samuel Foster, 


1822—25. 






William Flagg, 


1825— 28. 






Thomas I. Davis, 


1826, 34- 


-31, 


40, 41. 


Thomas Howe, 


1S27— 29, 


31, 


32, 34, 35 


Samuel W. Hubbard, 


1S27— 29. 






Farnum White, 


1822—31. 






Charles Chaffin, 


1S29— 35, 


41. 




George Flagg, 


1830—33, 


40, 


41. 


Tilla Chaffin, jr. 


1831, 33. 






John Lovell, 


1832, 34. 






John F. Smith, 


1S32. 






Dennis Davis, 


1833. 






Barney Howe, 


1833, 37. 






Stillman Estabrook, 


1S34— 36. 






John M. Goodale, 


1835, 36. 






Joel Walker, 


1836, 37. 






Paul Davis, 


1837, 38. 






Willis Smith, 


1837—39. 






Jacob Howard, 


1837. 






Samuel D. Greenwood, 


1837—40. 






Jonathan Chaffin, 


1837—39. 






John Jepherson, 


1838. 






Lyman Bryant, 


1839, 40. 






James Winch, 


1839^ 40. 






James S. Moore, 


1841. 






John Richardson, 


1841. 







HISTORY OF HOLDEN. OT 

ASSESSORS. 

Samuel Clark, 1741. 

Samuel Pierce, 1741, 43, 46, 48—52, 56—58. 

Samuel Hey wood, 1741, 44, 48 — 51, 59. 

Simon Davis, 1742. 

John Biglo, 1742, 44—46, 48—51, 55, 56. 

Samuel Thompson, 1742, 54. 

William Nichols, 1843, 47. 

Cyprian Stevens, 1743 — 46. 

David Brown, 1745. 

Samuel Hubbard, 1747, 53 — 55. 

Jonathan Lovell, 1747, 52. 

Richard Flagg, 1752—58, 60, 61—64. 

Israel Davis, 1753—55, 59, 60, 63. 

Joseph Hubbard, 1753 — 55. 

Joseph Greenwood, 1753, 61, 62, 65, 66. 

James Boyd, 1756, 58. 
Amos Heywood, 1756, 57, 61, 62, 64—67, 69—71. 83 

Bezaleel Fiske, 1759, 60. 

Isaac Bellows, 1762, 64, 68. 

Jonathan Wheeler, 1763. 

Benjamin Mead, 1765, 68. 

John Child, jr. 1766—69, 75—77, 82. 
David Fiske, 1767, 69—71, 77, 78, 83—85, 87, 88. 

Jonathan Rice, 1770, 71. 

James Davis, 1772—76, 79, 82, 84, 1806. 

Ignatius Goulding, 1772, 73. 

Andrew Smith, 1772 — 74. 
Elisha Hubbard, 1774—78, 81-83, 86, 87, 89, 90, 1801-5 

Isaac Chenery, 1778. 

Noah Haven, 1779, 81, 83, 84, 91, 92, 

Francis Wilson, 1779. 

Ebenezer Estabrook, 1780. 
9 



98 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



Paul Goodell, 
Isaiah Brown, 
John Dodd, 
Paul Davis, 
Elijah Rice, jr. 
John Davis, 
George Webb, 
William Drury, 
James Dodd, 
David Smith, 
Jonathan Flagg, 
Asa Greenwood, 
Lemuel Davis, 
Ebenezer Estabrook, 
Paul Davis, jr. 
Samuel Damon, 
Ethan Davis, 
Abner Perry, 
Silas Flagg, 
William Metcalf, 
Dennis Davis, 
William Flagg, 
Seth White, 
Willis Smith, 
Thomas J. Davis, 
David Boyden, 
Ira Broad, 
Joel Walker, 
John Richardson, 



1780, 81, 87. 

1785, 86. 

1785,-1800. 

1788—1800. 

17S8. 

1789. 

1783. 

1794—1805, 07—17. 23, 34 

1801—1803. 

1804, 05. 

1S06— 10. 

1806—17. 

1811—14. 

1815, 22—25,-27. 

1818, 22—33, 35—41. 

1818, 22—24, 35, 36. 

1S19— 21. 

1819—21. 

1S25— 33. 

1828, 29. 

1830—33. 

1834. 

1S34. 

1834—36. 

1837, 40. 

1837, 38. 

1838, 41. 

1839, 40. 
1839. 



Samuel D. Greenwood, 1841. 



TOWN TREASURERS. 



William Nichols, 



1741, 43, 45. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 90 

John Biglo, 1742, 50. 

Samuel Thompson, 1744. 

Samuel Heywood, 1746 — 49. 

Israel Davis, 1751, 56— 58. 

Joseph Hubbard, 1752 — 55. 

Jonathan Lovell, 1759. 

Bezaleel Fiske, 1760, 61. 

Samuel Hubbard, 1762—72. 

Nathan Harrington, 1773 — S3. 

James Davis, 1784 — 91. 

Elisha Hubbard, 1792—1803. 

Elnathan Davis, 1S04. 

Ethan Davis 1805, 06, 08—26, 

Samuel Damon, 1S27— 39. 

Paul Davis, 1840, 41. 

DELEGATES TO PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 

" Jan'y- 3, 1775 — John Child chosen delegate to a Provin- 
cial Congress, to be held at Cambridge, the 1st day of 
Feb'y- next." 

"May 20, 1775 — John Child chosen to Represent the 
Town in the Provincial Congress, to be held at Water 
Town the 31st instant." 

" July 5, 1775 — John Child chosen to Represent the 
Town in the Great and General Court, at Water Town 
the 19th instant." 

" Oct. 3d, 1776 — James Davis chosen to the Great and 
General Court at Water Town, Oct. 9, 1776." 

"May 19, 1777 — James Davis chosen to the Great and 
General Court at Boston, May 2Sth." 

" August 2d, 1777 — Richard Flagg chosen to sit in Con- 
vention at Cambridge, to form a Constitution." 

L0FC, 



100 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

REPRESENTATIVES SINCE 1780. 

John Child, jr. 1780, 82, 83, 90. 

Rev. Joseph Davis, 1781. 

Israel Davis, jr. 1786. 

Josiah Stratton, 1787. 

John Dodd, 1792, 93, 95, 96, 98, 1800, 01. 

William Drury, 1802, 05—13, 20. 

Elnathan Davis, 1803, 04. 

Ebenezer Estabrook 1814—16, 19. 

Ethan Davis, 1817, 21, 26. 

Samuel Damon, 1823, 24, 31—33. 

Silas Flagg, 1828, 29, 35, 38, 39. 

Asa Broad, 1830, 31. 

Charles Chaffin, 1832—34. 

Paul Davis, 1834—36. 

John Chaffin, 1831. 

Willis Smith, 1837. 

Tilla Chaffin, 1838, 39. 

John Richardson, 1840. 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

This was the only religious society in town for nearly 
seventy years. The earlier settlers were orthodox con- 
gregationalists, so far as their religious tenets can be as- 
certained from ancient records or tradition. 

Organization of the first chh.. and settlement of first 
minister — See Address, page 23, 33, and notes, p. 71. 

The " Halfway Covenant" system existed from the 
foundation of the church, until 1809. This was an ar- 
rangement by which such parents as were not in com- 
munion with the church might enjoy the privilege of 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 101 

having their children baptized, "by owning the cove- 
nant." 

COVENANT. 

We whose names are hereunto subscribed, inhabitants of Holden, appre- 
hending ourselves called by God, into the church-state of the gospel, 

Do first of all confess ourselves unworthy to be so highly favored of the 
Lord, and admire his free and rich grace which calls us hereunto ; and then 
with humble reliance and entire dependance on the assistance of his grace 
and Holy Spirit therein promised for them; that, in a sense of their own in- 
ability to do any good thing, do humbly wait upon him for all; we do 
thankfully lay hold on his covenant, and solemnly enter into covenant with 
God and one another according to God. 

We declare our serious belief of the christian religion as contained in 
the sacred scriptures, acknowledging them to contain the whole revealed 
will of God concerning our Faith and Practice, heartily resolving to conform 
our lives to the rules of that holy religion as long as we live. 

We give up ourselves to the Lord Jehovah, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost, the only true and living God, and avouch him this day to be 
our God, and our portion forever. 

We give up ourselves to the blessed Jesus, who is the Lord Jehovah, and 
adhere to him as the Head of his People in the covenant of God, and rely 
upon him as our Prophet, our Priest and our King, to bring as unto eternal 
blessedness. 

We acknowledge our everlasting and indispensable obligation to glorify 
God, in all the duties of a Godly, sober, and righteous life; and particularly 
in the duties of a church-state, and a body of people associated for an obe- 
dience to him in all the ordinances of the gospel, and we thereupon depend 
upon his gracious assistance for our faithful discharge of the duties incum- 
bent upon us. 

We engage, with dependence on his promised grace and spirit, to walk to- 
gether as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Faith and order of the gos- 
pel, so far as we shall have the same revealed unto us, conscientiously atten- 
ding the worship of God, in praying to him, singing his praises, giving reve- 
rent attention to his word, read and preached according to his institutions, 
the Sacraments of the New Testament, the discipline of his Kingdom, and 
all his holy institutions, in connexion one with another, and watchfully avoid- 
ing all sinful stumbling-blocks and contentions, as becomes the Lord's peo- 
ple in covenant with him. 

At the same time, we do also present our offspring with us unto the Lorii„ 



102 HTSTORY" OF HOLDEtf. 

purposing with his help, to do our part in the method of a religions educa- 
tion, that they may be the Lord's. 

And all this we do, flying to the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant for 
pardon of our many errors, and praying that the glorious Lord Jesus, who 
id the great shepherd, would prepare and strengthen us for every good work, 
to do his will, working in us that which shall be well pleasing to him, to 
whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

During the period that this system prevailed, 119 per- 
sons owned the covenant. December 18, 1809, the follow- 
ing vote was passed, " That the method of owning the 
covenant as practiced in this church, should be laid aside, 
none hereafter to enjoy the privilege of Baptism for their 
children, when, neither of the parents are in full commu- 
nion ; with this exception, that those who have already- 
owned the covenant should not be cut off from the priv- 
ilege they have possessed heretofore/' 

From near this period, a more cautious and rigid sys- 
tem was adopted respecting the admission of persons into 
the church. 

No articles of Faith had hitherto been adopted. Janu- 
ary 4th, 1811, it was voted to have a confession of Faith, 
and unanimously to accept of one drawn up by the Pas- 
tor, [Rev. Mr. Avery.] But strange as its may appear, 
it was not recorded, and no trace of it can now be found. 

The year 1809 was distinguished for the first general 
revival of religion. The work extended its influence to 
both societies. Tradition reports that it commenced 
among the Baptists living in the southwest part of the 
town. About 70 persons, by profession united with the 
Cong. Church. The next general revival occurred 1817, 
when more than 80 united with the church. 

The Rev. Horatio Bard well was installed as the junior 
Pastor of the church, Oct. 22, 1823. 

The following minutes are copied from the reeords of 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 103 

a church-meeting held Jan. 3d, 1824 : — " As no copy of 
the articles of Faith which this church have received 
can be found — Toted that the Pastor he requested to pre- 
pare such articles as he shall judge expedient ; also, that 
he revise the form of church covenant, and present a 
copy of each at the next church-meeting, for the consid- 
ation of the church, and for their adoption should they 
approve." 

June of the same year, tc at a full meeting of the 
church both female and male, the ten articles of Faith, 
and the form of covenant were harmoniously adopted — 

Articles of Faith and Form of Covenant adopted by the 
Congregational Church in Holden, Jufie, 1S24. 

ARTICLES OF FAITH. 

1. WE believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver, and 
moral Governor of the universe; a Being of infinite power, wisdom, justice, 
goodness, and truth; the self-existent and immutable fountain of goodness. 

2. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament were 
given by inspiration o-f God; that they are profitable for doctrine, for correc- 
tion, for reproof, and for instruction in righteousness; and that they are our 
only rule of doctrinal belief and religious practice. 

3. We believe that the scriptures teach that the mode of divine exis- 
tence is such, as lays a foundation for the threefold distinction, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost; and that these three are one in essence, and equal in power 
and glory. 

4. We- believe that God at first created man in a state c-f moral rectitude; 
that he voluntarily disobeyed the law of his Maker, and thereby fell into a 
state of sm and death} and that, in consequence of this first apostacy, the 
hearts of all men are by nature entirely destitute of holiness: and so far as 
they are capable of moral action, they are in a state of positive disaffection 
with the law, character, and government of God. 

5. We believe that Jesus Christ, by his obedience, sufferings and death, 
made atonement for sin; that he is the only Redeemer of sinners; and that 
all those who are saved will be wholly indebted to the grace and mercy of 
God, f>r their salvation. 

6. We believe that although the invitation of the gospel is such, that 



104 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely, yet the 
wickedness of the human heart is such, that no man will come to Christ, 
except the Father draw him. 

7. We believe that those who embrace Christ by a living faith, will never 
finally perish ; but in fulfilment of God's eternal purpose of grace, by which 
they were chosen in Christ, before the foundation of the world, He will ena- 
ble them to persevere to the end. 

8. We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the bodies 
both of the just and of the unjust; that all must appear before the judgment- 
seat of Christ, to receive a just and final sentence of retribution, according 
to the deeds done in the body; and that at this day of judgment, the state 
of all will be unalterably fixed; and that the happiness of the righteous and 
the punishment of the wicked will be endless. 

9. We believe that Christ has a visible Church in the world, into which, 
none in the sight of God but real believers, and none in the sight of man 
but visible, have a right of admission. 

10. We believe that the Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism 
and Lord's Supper; and that visible believers only have a right of admission 
to the Lord's Supper ; and that they and their households are the only proper 
subjects to whom baptism is to be administered. 

COVENANT. 

You do now, in the presence of God and man, avouch the Lord Jehovah, 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be your God — the object of your supreme 
love, and your portion forever. You cordially acknowledge the Lord Jesus 
Christ as your only Savior, and the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier, Comforter 
and Guide. You humbly and cheerfully devote yourself to God, in the 
covenant of grace. You consecrate yourself and all you possess to his ser- 
vice and glory ; and, through the help of divine grace, you promise that you 
will deny all ungodliness and every worldly lust — that you will live soberly, 
righteously and godly, even unto death. 

You do now cordially join yourself to this Church of Christ, engaging to 
submit to its discipline, and to attend on its worship and ordinances, accor- 
ding to the rules of the gospel ; and that you will walk with its members in 
Christian love, watchfulness and purity. Thus you covenant, promise, and 
engage. 

We do now, as a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, receive you into our 
communion, and promise to watch over you with Christian tenderness 
ami affection,, ever treating you in love, as a member of the body of Christ. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 105 

This we do, imploring of the great Shepherd of Israel, that both we and you 
may have wisdom and grace to be faithful in his covenant, and glorify him 
with that holiness of life which becomes his house forever. — Amen. 



Iii 1825, an unusual attention was paid to religion, 
and about 30 joined the church. 

The autumn of 1829, and beginning of 1830, was mark- 
ed by a most extensive and powerful work of grace. 
Both societies shared its blessed influence. About 150 
united with the Cong. Church. 

In 1831, there was a revival bringing about 20 into 
the church. The Spring of 1834, some families in the 
north part of the town, and the adjoining part of Prince- 
ton, were unusually awakened to the subject of religion. 
During the autumn of 1835, there was uncommon reli- 
gious interest, as the results of which, about twenty uni- 
ted with the church. In the Spring of 1S38, about 
twenty expressed a hope of having experienced a saving 
change, most of whom have since united with the church. 
The winter of 1S40-41, was greatly distinguished for a 
spirit of engagedness on the part of professors, and of 
anxious inquiry among persons not members of the 
church. Thirty have already united with the church, 
and it is believed many more will feel it to be their duty 
and privilege to enter into solemn covenant with God. 

The present number belonging to the church is about 
four hundred and thirty, nearly two-thirds of whom 
have been received within twelve years. There is but 
a single member of the church now living whose mem- 
bership commenced last century. This individual is 
Mrs. Mary Avery, the wife of the second pastor of this 
church. Her connection commenced in 1776. 



106 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

PASTORS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

Rev. Joseph Davis. {See Address.) 

The following inscription is copied from his grave-stone: 

This monument is erected in 

memory of the Revd JOSEPH DAVIS, 

who was born at Concord July 16 

1720, ordained first Pastor of 

the Church in Holden Deer 22d 1742, 

where he labored many years in 

the work of Gospel Ministry. 
He was the man of science and a 
zealous, pungent Preacher. The affec- 
tionate husband. The tender parent. 
The kind neighbor, and the cordial 
friend. Died March 4th 1779." 
A strong and animated faith in the truth 
of the gospel was the great solace and 
anchor of his soul. 

Rev. Joseph Avery. {See Address.) 

The following inscription is copied from his grave-stone: 

SACRED 

to the memory of 

the Revd JOSEPH AVERY, 

\vho was born at Dedhatn 

A. D. 1751. 

GRADUATED 

at Harrard University 1771. 

ORDAINED 

Pastor of the Church of Christ 

in Holden Deer 1774. 

With sweetness of disposition 

and ministerial faithfulness 

he united 

an uncommon share of prudence 

and wisdom. 

After near fifty years 

of laborious service as a minister 

of the gospel in this place, he 

rested from his labors 

March 5, 1824, 

Aged 72 years. 

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 

Rev. Horatio Bardwell. He was bom at Belcher- 
town, Nov. 3, 178S. A. M. Dart. Coll. 1814. Andover 
Theo. Sem. 1814. Missionary in India under the Amer- 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



107 



ican Board six years. Installed as Junior Pastor of this 
church Oct. 22, 1S23. Dismissed, Spring, 1S33. At 
present Pastor of the Congregational Church in Oxford. 

Rev. William P. Paeste. He was born at Ashficld, Aug. 
1, 1802. Entered Am. Coll. 1823. A. B. 1827 and A. M. 
1S30. Tutor at Amherst College one year, 1830. Grad- 
uated at Andover Theo. Sem. 1832. Settled in H olden 
Oct. 24, 1833. 

Married to Miss Sarah Mack, of Plainfleld, Mass., 
June 9, 1834. 



DEACONS. 

* William Nichols, chosen January 13, 1743. 

* Samuel Pierce, " " " " 



* Joseph Hubbard, " 

* David Fisk, " 

* Noah Haven, " 

* Israel Davis, " 

* Elisha Hubbard, " 
Peter Rice, " 

* Seth Clapp, " 

* Joshua Fairbanks, " 
^ Isaac Fisk, " 

Silas Flagg, " 

John Lovell, " 

Silas M. Hubbard, " 



August 6, 1755. 
March 31, 1762. 
April 2, 17S3. 
July 31, 1793. 

a n u 

June 1, 1S10. 

a i: a 

April 3, 1818. 

a a (( 

September 30, 1S25. 

tt it a 

March 1, 1S39. 



* Deceased. 



10S 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The records of the Baptist church and Society do not 
bear an earlier date, than the present century. Tradi- 
tion reports that Mr. John Perry, living upon the farm 
known as the Perry farm, was the first person of this 
denomination belonging to the town. The records of the 
town partially confirm the voice of tradition. An arti- 
cle was inserted in the warrant for the town meeting, to 
be held May 5th, 178S, " To see if the town will answer 
the petition of Mr. John Perry and others of the Baptis 
belonging to said Hold en." The vote of the town in 
reference to this article reads as follows: " Voted not 
to allow the petition of Mr. John Perry and others of the 
Baptis belonging to Holden." From other records upon 
the town books it appears, that this petition related to 
the abatement of taxes, to be raised for the support of the 
Established Church. 

The records of the Society commence Monday, June 
4, 1804. Ephraim Mirrick was chosen Moderator. John 
Hubbard, Clerk. Asa Howe, Collector. And Ephraim 
Mirrick associate deacon, when no deacon was present 
from Templeton. The Rev. Elisha Andrews, Pastor 
of the Baptist Church in Templeton, preached in town 
for some years before a church was organized. Baptist 
church members here were regarded as a branch church 
of the Bapt. ch. in Templeton. 

Mr. Andrews was a man of uncommon talents, as a 
preacher, although having never enjoyed the advantages 
of a public education. He is reported to have been re- 
markably happy, in the expository style of preaching. 
In 1805, he preached every fifth Sabbath, and 1808 every 
fourth Sabbath. 

March 12, 1809 it was voted, that Bro. Gates take 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

the lead of the meeting 2 Sundays, and Bro. Allen one, 
in the absence of Mr. Andrews." 

Oct. 22, 1807. Voted "to send a letter and request 
to be dismissed from the church in Templeton and be 
formed into a separate church," 

The minutes of the organization of the Bap. church 
follow entire. 

" Holden Dec. 31 1S07. At an Ecclesiastical Coun- 
cil, holden at the dwelling house of Brother Abraham 
Gates. [David Parminter, present owner.] 

Present. — From Harvard — Elder George Robinson, 
Dea. Ephraim Emerson, Charles Chase, Jeremiah Dyer. 

From Leverett — Elder Elijah Montague, Peter Ripley, 

From Sutton — Elder Samuel Waters, Dea. Moses Put- 
nam, Solomon Marble, and Jonah Golding. 

A moderator and clerk were chosen and after solemn 
prayer, by the Moderator, proceeded to business. After 
mature deliberation and careful examination the Council 
voted unanimously to constitute into a distinct church, 
the following Brothers and Sisters, viz : — Aaron Perry, 
Ephraim Mirrick/Hezekiah Walker, Abraham Gates, John 
Hubbard, Solomon Parminter, Asa Howe, Silas Walker, 
Charles Brooks, Eli Hubbard, Benj. Hubbard, Jotham 
Howe, Thomas Howe, Samuel Abbott, John Walker, 
Paul Colburn, Thomas Marshall, Daniel Shepard, 
Pelatiah Allen, John Brown, William Everett, Polly Sar- 
gent, Lydia Parminter, Lydia Hubbard, Mehitabel Col- 
burn, Hannah Howe, Sally Howe, Polly Walker, Lydia 
Parminter, jr., Polly Hubbard, Elenor Howe, Polly Hen- 
ry, Lucretia Howe, Nancy Brooks, Polly Buck, Patty 
Caldwell, Sarah Pratt, Sarah Mason, Rachel Walker, 
Dorothy Howe, Tabitha Perry, Thankful Mason, Lucy 
Walker, Eunice Metcalf, Judith Gates, Persis Walker, 
and Nabby Shepard. 
10 



110 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

And the said Brothers when constituted into a church 
aforesaid, shall be known by the name of the 
Baptist Church, in Holden, 
Voted that the Moderator of the Council give the right 
hand of fellowship, to the aforesaid Brethern in token of 
our Fellowship with them as a church in Sister rela- 
tion. 

Signed by order of the Council, 

George Robinson, Mod. 
Elisha Andrews, Scribe." 

Articles of Faith. 

1. We believe there is one God, who is a spirit eter- 
nally the same. A Being infinitely holy, just, and good, 
filling all space with His goodness ; essentially happy in 
the'possession of himself. John 4 : 24. Deut. 6 : 4 Ps. 
90: 2. Gen. 17: 1. Ps. 115: 3. 

2. That he has revealed himself in his word to be 
Father, Son and Holy Spirit in which word He hath 
given us a perfect rule of Faith, and Practice. 1 John 
5 : 7. Matt. 28 : 19. 2 Cor. 13 : 14. John 1 > 14, and 18 : 
15. 26. Gal. 4: 6. 2 Tim. 3: 15. 16. Gal. 18: 9. 

3. We believe that God did in the beginning create 
worlds and beings by the word of his power, and doth up- 
hold the same : that he created man holy, but man did 
willingly rebel, and transgress the law of his Creator, and 
thereby has lost his moral rectitude and has become sin- 
ful in all his parts, both of soul and body, and his pos- 
terity have by natural generation derived the same sin- 

*ul dispositions and have become by nature the servants 
<f sin, and subjects of temporal and eternal death, and 
: iat God by his kind providence doth overrule all events 
)r his own glory. John 1 : 1. 2. 3. Rom. 1 : 20. Col 1 : 
.6. Gen. 2:1.2. Heb. 1: 3. Isa. 46 : 10. 11. Ps. 13: 5.6. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. HI 

Gen. 1: 17. Eccle. 7: 29. Gen. 1 : 27. and 3: 12. 13. 
2 Cor. 11:3. 1 Tim. 2 : 14. Rom. 3 : 23. and 5 : 12. Titus 

1 : 15. Gen. 6: 5. Jere. 17 : 9. and 6 : 17. 20. 23. Heb- 

2 : 4. Hosea. 1 : 6. 7. Isa. 25 chap. 

4. We believe that man being thus dead, his recovery- 
is only in God, and that by his eternal purpose of Election 
did choose a number in Christ to eternal Salvation, and 
that Christ did in the fulness of time take on him human 
nature, (sin only excepted) lived a holy life, died an ac- 
cursed death on the cross, was buried, rose, accended 
[and] ever livith to make intercession, for us. Hosea, 
13 : 9. Eph. 1 : 4. 1 Pe. 1 : 2. 2 John 1 : 14. Rom. 8 : 3. 
Heb. 2 : 14. 15. 16. 17. and 7 : 26. Gal. 3 : 13. Luke 
23: 53. and 24: 6. Acts 1 : 9. 

5. We believe that the Holy spirit of God proceeding 
from the Father and the Son, only can and doth make 
particular application of the merits of Christ to every elect 
soul, and that he hath by the same Spirit convinced us 
of our lost, sinful, and undone condition and gives us 
grace to believe in Christ, who is made of God unto us, 
wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and eternal redemp- 
tion. John 16 : 7. 13. 14. 

6. We believe that the life of religion consists in the 
knowledge of God, and conformity to him in the inward 
man, which necessarily produces an external conformity 
to his laws and ordinances and union and fellowship one 
with another. John. 17 : 3. Eph. 3 : 10. 

7. We believe that baptism and the Lord's supper are 
institutions of Christ to be continued till his second com- 
ing and that the former is requisite to the latter, that is, 
such only are to be admitted to the communion of the 
church as have on profession of their faith, been baptised 
by immersion. Matt. 28 : 19. Mark 16 : 15. 16. Acts 8 ; : 
36. 37. 38. Rom. 6 : 3. 4. 1. Cor. 11 : 23. 24. 



112 HISTORY OF HOLDKN. 

8. We believe that the sole government of the chh. is 
in Christ and that it is he and he only that can qualify 
and send forth laborers into his vineyard ; and doth call 
his chh. into the kingdom of his grace and by his spirit 
doth gather them in particular churches ; and hath given 
them power under him to govern their own members. 
Isa. 9 : 6. Gal, 1 : 12. 15. 16: Rom. 8 : 30. Ezek. 34 : 11. 
Eph. 2:17. Acts 26: 18. Rev. 3 : 7. Heb. 3 : 7. Eph. 2 : 
19. 22. Mat. 16 : 9. John 20 : 23. 

9. We believe that brethren in ehrist ought not to go 
to law one with another. 1 Cor. 6 : 1 — 7. 

10. We believe that a Bishop or Elder by virtue of or- 
dination hath no right to be moderator or scribe of the 
chh. or to claim or exercise any more power in the gov- 
vernment of the chh. than any private brother, from the 
nature of his office as described in scripture.* Matt. 28 : 
19. 20. Mark 16: 15. 16. 1 Tim. 4: 12. 16. 2 Tim 4 : 2. 
\ Pe. 1 : 2. 3. 

December 17, 1810— The chh. « voted $20,00 a year 
for 5 years, to Thomas Marshall for the use of his shed 
chamber, to meet in, for worship." 

Mr. Marshall lived in the house now occupied by Far- 
mer White in Eagleville. 

" Aug. 30. 1812. Rro. Marshall consented to preach one 
half of the time." 

In 1813, Mr. Andrews preached 1-8 part of the time, 
and during the same year, such members of the chh. as 
belonged to Sterling and West Boylston withdrew to form 
a church. 

Thomas Marshall was ordained Sept. 15. 1813. 

Number of members in the chh. at different periods. 



*-This article has subsequently undergone some modification. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



US 



Au 



Admission. 


Number. 


Admission. 


Number. 


1S11 


96 


1826 


134 


. 1S20 


161 


1S30 


162 


1821 


171 


May. 1833 


151 


1822 


111* 


Aug. 1835. 


16S 


1823 


112 


1836 


176 


1824 


115 


1838 


221 


1S25 


145 


1S40 


200 



The first Baptist Meeting-House was built 1819— 20. 
The building has since been refitted for a dwelling-house 

The Society was organized agreeably to the laws of the 
Commonwealth, March 15, 1828. 

No person regarded as member of the society who does 
not pay annually the sum of $1,00 or more into the trea- 
sury. 

" Feb. 16. 1838. Voted to build a new meeting house," 
which was dedicated Jan. 1836. In the year 1839 Mr. 
Willard M. Hubbard died, leaving $1000 to the society. 
The interest of $400 to be paid for the maintenance of 
singing and of the remaining $600, for the support of the 
gospel. 



Pastors of the Baptist Chh. in Holden. 

1. Rev. Elisha Andrews. — see history of the Chh. 

2. Rev. Thomas Marshall preached during the years 
intervening between, 1813 and 1818. 

3. Rev. John Walker. Mr. Walker was born May 
20, 1789. (His father resided in the north part of Hol- 
den.) The early part of his life was passed upon his 
father's farm. During the autumn of 1804, his mind be- 
came interested in the subject of personal religion, and in 
March, 1805, he made a public profession of his faith in 
Christ. In Oct. 1812, commenced preaching, licensed Aug . 



* 65 had been dismissed who belonged to Leominister, Princeton kz 
10* 



Ill HISTORY OF HOLDER, 

2,1813"; ordained Oct. 30, 1816. and Feb. 2, 1818, was 
recognized as Pastor of the chh : which relation contin- 
ued until April 1, 1831. 

Mr. Walker, soon after his dismission removed to West 
►Sutton, where be labored in the work of the gospel min- 
istry until April, 1836. From a letter addressed, by Mr. 
Walker to the compiler, the following is an extract. " 1 
taok: up my Pastoral relation [West Sutton] with an 
expectation of emigrating to the far west ! but a long 
and tedious journey of nearly 4,000 miles satisfied me 
that my constitution would not bear the climate. My la- 
bors commenced with the first Baptist chh.. in Barre, in 
October, 1S36. My Pastoral relation, in Nov. of the same 
year. About 200 were added by baptism to the chh. 
in Holden and its branches while my ministry continued 
there, and I have been privileged to baptize over fifty up- 
on a creditable evidence of their faith in a risen Savior 
during my relation with the chh. in West Sutton and in 
this place." 

4. Rev. Appleton Belnap, was ordained to the work 
of gospel ministry and Pastor of the Bapt. chh. in Hol- 
den, June 13, 1832. He preached his last sermon in 
town Oct. 27, 1833, having relinquished the duties of a 
Pastor to continue his theological studies. 

5. Rev. George Waters, was ordained Pastor of the 
chh. Sept. 25, 1834, and resigned his office here, March 
31, 1838. He is now settled over the Bap. chh. in Sterling. 

6. Rev. Samuel Everett, recognised as Pastor of the 
chh. Aug. 9, 1838, and dismissed April 19, 1839. 

7. Rev. Andrew Pollard, is the present Pastor of the 
church. He is a native of Harvard, Mass. For a time 
he was Pastor of the Bap. chh. South Gardner. He was 
installed here, Aug. 12, 1840. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



115 



GENTLEMEN'S AND LADIES' MISSIONARY 
ASSOCIATION. 

The object of this Association is to collect money 
which may aid the operations of the American Board of 
Com. for Foreign Missions. It was established in 1824, 
by the active exertions of the Rev. Mr. Bardwell. Col- 
lectors are annually appointed to solicit subscriptions 
from all persons disposed to favor the object of Foreign 
Missions. This Association is Auxiliary to the Worces- 
ter Co. Central Missionary Association. 

The collections taken at the Monthly Concert pas3 to 
the treasury of the American Board through the officers 
of this Society. 

The following sums have been contributed during the 
last ten years: 



A. D. 


Gentlemen's Association. 


Ladies' Association 


Month. Concert. 


1831 


$161 40 


$105 00 


$ 75 33 


1832; 


137 75. 


96 00 


127 35 


J 833 


90 09 


81 62 


123 45 


1834 


106 68 


82 30 


86 17 


1835 


85 18 


71 40 


125 73 


1836 


W4 72 


81 50 


74 60 


1837 


153 48 


105 81 


117 71 


1838 


£6 09 


77 85 


85 06 


1839 


89 52 


77 00 


79 79 


1840 


186 56 


136 84 


88 58 




$1211 51 


$915 32 


$983 77 
Total, $3110 60 



The average annual amount contributed by the Con- 
gregational Church and Society, for Foreign Missions, 
during the last ten years, is $311 06. 

Note. The above statistical account of the annual 
contributions for the cause of Foreign Missions, will in- 
dicate the exertions usually made by the citizens of 



116 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

Holden, in behalf of such objects as are worthy the con- 
sideration of an enlightened and Christian community. 

The compiler has not the materials necessary to make 
a fair and average account of the annual contributions 
in aid of the Bible, Tract, Education and other benevo- 
lent Societies. 



JUDAH WRIGHT 

At the Centennial Celebration a hymn was sung, 
"composed by Mr. Judah Wright, a venerable citizen of 
Holden, seventy years of age, suffering under the infirmi- 
ty of blindness from infancy."* 

Some reader of these pages may be desirous of ac- 
quiring additional information respecting the blind man 
who wrote those verses, 

Mr. Wright is a native of Holden, and was born April 
1, 1774. His father then lived upon the farm now 
owned by Mr. Timothy Parker. He was deprived of 
sight in infancy, in consequence of a disease of the eye, 
called the cataract. 

His father died when he was about twelve years 
of age, and his mother was left with slender means of 
support. For many years she was dependent upon her 
blind son Judah, who was able to obtain a comfortable 
livelihood for himself and widowed mother, by making 
baskets. The trade of basket making and a kindred 
employment, bottoming chairs, he has laboriously pursued 
through a long life. 

He has ever exhibited an intense desire to acquire 
knowledge. It may be confidently asserted that few per- 

* See page 6. 



HISTORY OF HOLTJEN. 117 

sons have been better acquainted with the passing events 
of the age. Mr. Paul Davis, (who lived upon the Land- 
lord Paul Davis's hill,) for nineteen years, was accus- 
tomed to read the Massachusetts Spy to Mr. Wright. 

The compiler heard him make the remark, that " du- 
ring that long period, nineteen weeks were not omitted. 
Mr. Davis would begin and read the paper through "like 
a book," omitting only a few advertisements. It was 
often my practice to bottom a chair while the paper was 
read." 

The years intervening between 1801 — G, Mr Wright 
humorously styles as his Collegiate Course. During this 
period he often visited the iamily of the Rev. Mr. Avery, 
whose amiable and accomplished daughters were ever 
ready to assist a noble mind struggling with difficulties. 
They exhibited the treasures of their father's library to 
the view of their sightless visitor. Numerous persons 
have been found who have kindly rendered him similar 
aid, and some have acted as his amanuenses. For the 
aid thus rendered, he expresses the most unfeigned 
gratitude. 

His theological and historical reading is quite exten- 
sive. He was lately heard to remark, " I don't think 
much of making baskets only to make them : my thoughts 
are generally occupied upon theological subjects, or the 
history of the world." In conversation, he exhibits a 
familiar acquaintance with the best English poets. 

In 1812 he published a pamphlet entitled "Poems up- 
on various subjects," and in 1823, " Alonzo's Dream : or 
an Allegorical representation of the light in which faults 
and misfortunes are frequently viewed by the unthinking 
part of mankind.''' 1 

The following are selections from his printed and 
manuscript productions : 



118 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

THE BLIND MAN. 

Though darkness still attends me, 
It aids internal sight, 

And from such scenes defends me, 
As blush to see the light. 

No villain's smiles decieve me ; 

No gilded fop offends ; 
No weeping object grieves me ; 

Kind darkness me befriends. 

Who painted vice desires; 

Is blind, vvhate'erhe thinks; 
Who virtue not admires, 

Is either blind or winks. 

Then hence these useless railings ; 

I know no reason why — 
Mankind to their own failings 

Are all as blind as I. 



ON SPRING. 

Hail! joyful Spring, at thy return, 
The fields and forests cease to mourn; 

All nature bids thee welcome here: 
The northern winds and snowy squalls 
Forbear to blow, or cease to fall; 

And hills long covered now appear. 

The sun dissolves the ice and snow ; 
The streams their channels overflow, 

To cheer and fertilize the soil: 
The trees assume their summer garbs — 
The earth bedeck'd with flowers and herbs, 

On all her children seems to smile. 

The cattle from the barn releas'd, 
Partake of a delicious feast; 

The playful lamb, and sprightly calf— 
The stately ox, and bounding steed, 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 119 

In flow'ry pastures sport and feed, 
And from the chrystal fountains quaff. 

The feather'd songsters now return, 
And join to usher^in each morn 

With music in harmonious lays; 
With joy through fields and groves they fiy, 
Each with the other seems to vie, 

In chanting their Creator's praise. 

While beasts and birds with insects join 3 
To praise munificence divine: 

Let man the lord of all below, 
According to his station raise, 
The sacred song of solemn praise, 

To him from whom all blessings flow. 

The plants and trees in gayest bloom, 
To beauty add a sweet perfume; 

And form delightful walks and bowers, 
Protected from the scorching heat, 
Where friends and lovers fondly meet, 

And sweetly pass their leisure hours. 

The meads with grass and flowers adorned— 
The verdant woods and fields of corn — 

The flocks and herds upon the plain; 
Meandering streams and purling rills, 
Descending from adjacent hills, 

Conspire to beautify the scene. 



ON THE MILLENNIUM. 

Alas! to what a wretched case 
Has sin reduced the human race! !■ 
This world though once pronounced good, 
By sin became a field of blood. 

Ambition, pleasure, lust and pride, 
With avarice our time divide ; 



120 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

Reserving none for us to spend, 
In duties to our God or men. 

■But for our comfort we're informed. 
A lasting calm succeeds the storm. 
Events foretell the time is near, 
When these dark scenes shall disappear. 

When Satan's power shall be restrained, 
And peace on earth in triumph reign, 
The righteous then shall here enjoy, 
True happiness without alloy. 

Religion then shall be refined, 

From error freed in lustre shine: 

The Jewish outcasts gather'd in, 

And own, with Gentiles, Christ their king. 

Impostures and idolatry 
Shall cease, and Christians all agree; 
The young and old, with one accord, 
Delight to serve and please the Lord. 

Those weapons which have long destroy 'd. 
The human race, shall beemploy'd 
To cultivate a fruitful soil, 
And plenty shall reward their toil. 

The fertile plains shall be no more 
Delug'd with floods of human gore; 
For war throughout the world shall cease, 
And this creation live in peace. 

The cow, the bear, the wolf and sheep, 
Together safely feed and sleep; 
Their young ones shall lie down at rest, 
The strong shall not the weak molest. 

A little child shall also lead 
The leopard, fatling, calf and kid ; 
And play with safety near the den, 
Where pois'nous serpents lurk within. 

For none shall injure or destroy, 
But all promote each other's joy ; 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 121 

For true benevolence and grace, 
Shall actuate the human race. 

The weak no more the strong shall dread, 
And knowledge shall the earth o'erspread, 
As waters fill the spacious seas, 
And gladness fill each heart with praise. 



ON DRUNKENNESS. 
(1812.) 
Oh! how disgusting is the sight, 

When drunkards reeling through the street, 
In laughter fawn or anger fight, 
And pour contempt on all they meet. 

If ardent spirits fail at home, 

To shops or taverns they repair, 
And drink till sense and strength are gone; 

Then reeling homeward bound they steer. 

But injured limbs and bruised heads 

Forbid them farther to proceed, 
The open street becomes their bed; 

This is a dismal sight indeed. 

Exposed to danger, here they sleep 

Until their faculties revive; 
And then with slow and awkward steps, 

At length each at his home arrives. 

With clothes besmear'd with filth and mud, 
See how they shiver with the cold! 

Their faces brais'd and stain'd with blood, 
What horrid figures to behold! 

Bat oh! the feelings of a wife, 

Whose heart is pierc'd with sorrow through, 
To see her dearest friend in life, 

Himself and family undo. 

But her entreaties, tears and sigh9, 
Will not his vicious heart restrain: 
11 



122 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

In vain his neighbors all advise; 
He feels no sense of sin or shame. 

His children, wearied with abuse, 
Provok'd and driven to despair; 

Of freedom make improper use, 
And soon forget to love or fear. 

At length the wretched man becomes 
A burden to himself and friends; 

Yet still this sinful race he runs, 
Till like a brute his life he ends. 

Ye who indulge your appetite, 

And laws of temp'rance daily break, 

Take warning by this awful sight: 
May you this fatal snare escape. 

Will you destroy yourselves and friends- 
Exchange your honor for disgrace — 

Expose yourselves to endless pains, 
And all to gratify your taste? 

Poor are the pleasures which you gain 
At such a vast expense as this; 

For hours of pleasure, years of pain, 
If not the loss of future bliss. 



A lady once asked Mr. Wright "if he could exercise 
as strong affection for others as though he could see 
them?" In a few days he made the following reply: 

Were you by some arrangement plac'd 
Where with propriety you might 
By sundry persons be address'd, 
Without the privilege of light, 
Some might be bold, in manner rude, 
And some the fop, or fool display, 
Some calculating, cold and shrewd, 
And others gallant, brisk and gay. 
Borne sprightly, affable and kind, 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 123 

Unblemish'd by seductive art, 
Evincing cultivated mind, 
With warmth and purity of heart. 
Could you do otherwise than make 
A preference, though you did not see? 
I may, as well, your method take; 
Remember 'lis but dark to me. 
The rosy cheeks and piercing eyes, 
The skin that with the lily vies, 
The slender form and graceful step, 
These beauties all are hid from me, 
Save by imagination's light, 
By which I easily can see 
The charms they must present to sight. 
But there are beauties of the mind 
Which form and features far excel), 
The feeling heart and taste refin'd, 
On these with pleasure I can dwell. 
These fade not with the charms of yofith; 
In frost of age they still are green; 
And are to those who relish truth, 
As sweet at sixty as sixteen. 



ON PRESENTING A ROSE TO A CHILD. 

Fair as the rose which I present, 
May your unfolding mind expand, 

Wilh virtues grateful as the scent, 
As apt to please, as free from stain. 

Like this among the thorns you are, 
Expos'd to raging winds and storms, 

And foes who will not beauty spare, 
Tho' in the most engaging forms. 

With care I did the rose protect, 
Lest any should my hope destroy; 

Aud prudence must your steps direct, 
If you would happiness enjoy. 

By yonder verdant bush behold, 



124 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

A rose which yester morn like these, 
Its beauties promis'd to unfold, 
And smiling visitants to please. 

But plucked ere 't was fully blown, 
Disrob'd and rudely thrown away; 

It lies forsaken on the ground, 
A useful monitor to thee. 

So I have seen a blooming maid, 

Like Eve in Eden's grove beguil'd; 
Thoughtless she listen'd, was betray'd, 
And then received frowns for smiles. 

O, may it never be your lot, 
To fade untimely like the rose; 

Or prove by folly's shades, or spots, 
The grief of friends, or sport of foes. 

Tho' youth and beauty's fairest forms, 
Like roses transitory are; 

Yet virtue has unfading charms, 
Which time itself cannot impair. 



SOCIETY FOR DETECTING THIEVES. 

The object of this Society may be learned from the 
preamble to the Constitution. — ' : As energy, vigilance, 
and union are highly expedient to suppress the sons of 
violence, often found in society, the persons whose names 
are hereunto annexed, do agree to form themselves into 
a society for the purpose of detecting thieves and recov- 
ering stolen property." 

The Constitution was adopted Feb. 23, 1818. 

Persons are admitted by vote of the Society, or appro- 
bation of President, Secretary, and one of the Standing 
Committee, and when admitted, each individual must 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



12.5 



pay the sum of seventy-five cents into the hands of the 
Treasurer for the use of said Society. 

Clergymen in town have usually been elected honora- 
ry members of the Society. 

The Constitution has been variously modified since its 
adoption. 

The Society at present, when duly organized, consists 
of a President ; the duties of Secretary and Treasurer are 
performed by the same person ; a Standing Committee 
and a Pursuing Committee. 

The funds of the Society, (January 4, 1841,) $123,86, 

ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 



James Estabrook, 

Doct. John Smith, 

Asa Greenwood, 

Asa Broad, 

Benjamin Davis, 

Lemuel Davis, 

Samuel Damon, 

George Fiagg, 

Silas Flagg, 

Jervis Abbott, 

Francis Winn, 

Samuel Turner, 

Daniel Knowlton, 

Samuel W. Hubbard, 

Joel Glezen, 

John M. Smith, 

11* 



Paul Davis, jr., 
Caleb Kendall, 
William Drury, jr., 
Joseph Crosby, 
John P. Maynard, 
James Estabrook, jr., 
James Winch, 
James Davis, 
Jonathan Estabrook, 
Ethan Davis, 
Artemas Dryden, 
Farnum White, 
Ebenezer Estabrook, 
Jonas Chaffin, 
Royal H. Chaffin, 
John Chaffin. 



126 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



TOPOGRAPHY. 

This township originally had a diamond or rhombic 
figure. Its four sides were all straight, and those oppo- 
site nearly equal; its angles, two obtuse and two acute. 
In 1 765 some hundreds of acres were taken from the S. 
W. side to form the township of Paxton; and in 1808, 
another portion was taken from the Easterly side to form 
the town of West Boylston. 

Its present bounds are as follows: — commencing at the 
N. W. angle, (at a stake and stones in a swamp, wes- 
terly from E. & E. Mead's house:) thence North 56 deg. 
East, 899 rods, by Rutland line, to a stone post at 
Princeton corner: thence N. 56 deg. E. 1204, (making a 
straight line 2103,) thence S. 12 1-2 deg. E, 630 rods, by 
Sterling, to a stone post on West Boylston: thence 71 1-2 
deg. W. 104 rods, by West Boylston, to a stone post : 
thence S. 5 deg. E. 1652 rods, by West Boylston to Wor- 
cester : thence the Worcester line runs S. 57 deg. W. 1521 
rods, to a stone post at Paxton: thence, by several 
small angles on the Paxton and Rutland lines, to the first 
mentioned bound. 

The soil of the town is various, and its surface much 
diversified with hills and valleys. The different kinds 
of forest trees are, pines, white and yellow; oaks, 
white, red, and black ; hemlock, horn-beam, maple, 
ash, chestnuts and walnuts. An area of fifty acres 
can scarcely be found containing a homogeneous soil, or 
a plain surface. " The land in the out-skirts of the town 
is the most springy and natural to grass. The general 
products are rye, Indian corn, and oats. When there is 
a failure of crops, it is generally owing to other causes 
than the nature of the soil." {Whitney's His: 189.) 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 12? 

HILLS. 

Maiden Hill — (^called by the early settlers Mt-Carmel) 
is situated in the east part of the town. It is covered 
with wood and timber, and only a small part is under 
cultivation. A granite quarry has been improved on the 
easterly side of this hill. 

Pleasant Hill. Tradition reports this hill to have 
been an Indian encamping ground. It has a rich soil and 
produces great crops of grass and grain — now owned by 
S. "W. Hubbard and son. [See page 24.] 

Grape-Vine Hill — (so called by the first settlers). It 
is situated in the N. W. part of the town. The soil is 
excellent and well adapted to tillage and pasturage. It 
is now owned by John Estabrook. 

Cham-plain Hill. This hill is situated in the westerly- 
part of the town, and derives its name from the circum- 
stance, that several acres were clear of forest trees when 
first visited by the early settlers. Subsequently the Capt 
James Davis place. 

Pine Hill. It is situated partly in Paxton and partly 
in Holden. Its principle value consists in a growth of 
pine timber. 

Hasnebumskit Hill. This hill-is situated in the S.W. 
part of the town. It presents a beautiful appearance 
when approached from the north. Cultivated fields and 
pasture-lands extend to its very summit. Iron oar and 
sulphur abound upon this, and Pine hill, so that the 
magnetic needle will not traverse in their vicinity. 

Stone-House Hill. This hill is situated in the south 
part of the town. Its steep and rocky sides are difficult 
of access, rendering the soil unfit for cultivation. In 
" olden times " it was a renowned resort for rattle-snakes. 
The name, Stone-House, was given to the hill in conse- 



128 HJSTORY OF HOLDEN. 

quence of a natural house or shed, in the southern part 
formed by the projecting rocks. 

The Regulators, during the period of Shays rebellion 
made this a place of rendezvous. 

RIVERS AND BROOKS. 

Quinapoxet River. It is the principal river in the 
town. It has three branches. (1.) North Quinapoxet 
River in formed by the union of streams issuing from 
Quinapoxet and Muscopauge Ponds. This branch passes 
the North and Quinapoxet Factories, and unites with 
the (2) South Quinapoxet, rising in the Hasnebumskit 
Pond, in Paxton. The last mentioned stream passes 
Eagleville, Dryden's, Jepherson's, and Lovell's manu- 
facturing mills. These branches unite in Mr. Thaddeus 
Nichols's intervale, thence running through Perry's and 
Watson's intervales. (3.) Cedar Swamp Brook rises 
from numerous springs in the southerly part of the town, 
passing Hinds' and Hill's mills, and Lee's cotton factory, 
and unites with the Quinapoxet River, in the Estabrook 
intervale. This river thence passing Sheldon's mills, be- 
comes a branch of the Nashua River, which empties into 
the Merrimack River near Nashua, N. H. 

A small stream rises in the south part of the town and 
becomes a branch of the Blackstone River. 

Note. In the meadow, near Mr. Sam'l Howe's house, 
two streams rise. One becomes a tributary of Merrimack 
River, the other of the Blackstone River. The former 
emptying into the ocean at Newbury port ; the latter into 
Narragansett Bay, at Providence, R. I. 

The surface of Quinapoxet Pond is 717 ft. above tide- 
water; and Quinapoxet River, at the West Boylston 
line, 483 ft. above the same level. Of course, the fall of 
Quinapoxet River, in Holden, would be 234 ft. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



129 





JUSTICES. 




* John Childs, jr. 


appointed 


September 19, 1776. 


* John Dodd,f 


a 


March 29, 1793, 


William Drury, 


it 


June 9, 1802. 


* Lemuel Davis, 


tt 


March 5, 1804 


* James Estabrook, 


a 


March 3, 1809, 


* Ebenezer Estabrool 


tt 
1 j 


October 24, 1814. 


* Ethan Davis, 


tt 


June 18, 1817 


Samuel Damon, 


a 


July 2, 1828. 


Silas Flagg, 


H 


February 23, 1833. 


Charles Chaffin, 


it 


•February 23, 1833. 


Paul Davis, 


ti 


March 25, 1840. 



* Deceased. 

t The following interesting incidents were furnished by a son of John 
Dodd, Esq., in a letter to the compiler: 

" Mr. James Dodd was born in the north of Ireland, in the year 172-t. 
His father died when he was about the age of 12 or 14 years, and he was 
apprenticed to an older brother who was a manufacturer of Linen Good*. 
In consequence of ill treatment by his brother's wife, he threatened to leave 
I113 brother unless she treated him with more kindness, which he carried into 
effect shortly after. 

An American vessel came into port and he made known his grievances 
to the Captain, and requested he would take him to this country ; informing 
him at the same time, that he had no money, but would work his passage. 
The Capt. consented, and was to hoist a signal when he was ready to wei«h 
anchor, and Mr. Dodd was to go to the wharf and swing his hat, and the 
Capt. was to send a boat for him, which was done. Soon after, the vessel 
was hailed by some one on shore to know if they had any one on board that 
did not belong there ; to which Tha'Cap'taTn-Teplied that he had no one but 
his crew. On his arrival in this country, about 1741 or 2, having neither 
friends nor money, (as all he took with him was a small bundle of clothes 
which he tied up in a handkerchief,) he macje immediate application to 
William Shirley, then Provincial Governor of Massachusetts, who at the time 
resided in the town of Dorchester, and who immediately procured a loom 
and set him to work. His fabric was of so fine a texture that the Governor 
sent a portion of it to England as a specimen of American product and man- 
ufacture, the first that went from this country ; for which the spinner and 
weaver each received a Joe [$17, 14,] as a premium for their skill. After a 
year or two's residence in this country, Mr. Dodd became acquainted with 
a Miss Mary Houston, who at the age of 8 years, came over to this country 
from the north of Ireland with her father, mother, three brothers and three 
sisters, and settled in Maine." ***** 

He was married " in the year 1747, to the aforesaid Mary Houston, etrf 



130 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

LAWYER. 

Jason B. Blackington. Native of Attleborough. 
Brown University, A. B. 1826. He commenced the 
practice of law in town, 1829, and continued here be- 
tween two and three years. He is now at the West. 



COLLEGE GRADUATES. 
Jonathan Fisher, H. U. 1792. 
Joseph Cheney, B. U. 1801. 
Abraham Wheeler, Wm's C. 1810. 
Abel Manning, B. U. 1817. 
Moses Winch, A. C. 1827. 
Elnathan Davis, Wm's C. 1834. 
David Fiske, A. C. 1834. 
John Foster, A. C. 1834. 
William Howe, Waterville C. 1834. 
Merrill Richardson, M. C. 1835. 
Henry G. Darling, Wm's C. 1835. 
Samuel D. Darling, Wm's C. 1836. 
Samuel C. Damon, A. C. 1836. 



settled in Bedford, where they resided until about the year 1757. During 
their residence in Bedford, they had three children, viz : V\ illiam, who wae 
born in 1747, James in 1750, and John in 1755. From Bedford they mov- 
ed to Lexington, where they purchased a small place and resided for six 
years ; sold it in 1763, and purchased a farm of about 300 acres in Holden, 
now occupied and owned by Deacon Rice, Oliver Knowlton, Sam'I Stratton 
and the widow Parker. This place was purchased with specie, which he 
took up in his saddlebags ; and he sold out again in the year 1776 or 1777, 
with the intention of moving down to Maine, among his wife's relations, but 
never carried this project into effect ;as he was soon after taken sick, and died 
in May, 1778. In the spring afler he sold his farm, he sold off all his stock. 
For the farm and stock he took pay in continental money, most of which 
was kept on hand until it was entirely worthless. During his residence in 
Holden he purchased a farm in Princeton for his eldest son William, which 
be gave to him, and remarked at the time, that the Homestead (which he 
Subsequently sold for continental money,) would answer for James aud John. 
Thus the two younger children were almost entirely cut off." 



m 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 131 

MISSIONARIES. 

Deacon Isaac Fisk. He was the son of Mr. Nahum 
Fisk, and born at Holden — 1790. A blacksmith by trade. 
Married to the daughter of Ethan Davis, Esq., and soon 
after her death, he engaged as a lay-missionary among 
the Choctaw Indians. He arrived at Elliot, Aug., 1819, 
and 1820. In his will, he bequeathed about $S00 00 to 
the American Board. 

Mrs. Goodell, (Abigail P. Davis,) daughter of Lemu- 
el Davis, Esq., and grand-daughter of the first minister, 
was born at Holden, April 16, 1800. She was married 
to the Rev. William Goodell, a graduate of D. C, 1817, 
Andover T. S. 1820. They embarked Dec. 9, 1822, from 
New York, for the Syrian Mission, under the patronage 
of the American B. C. F. Missions. Beyroot became the 
scene of their labors, where they remained some years. 
From thence they removed to Malta, on the Island of 
Cyprus ; but since the year 1831, they have been station- 
ed at Constantinople. 

Mrs Grout, (Hannah Davis,) daughter of Ethan Da- 
vis, Esq., was born at Holden, Feb. 26, 1805. In early 
life her mind was impressed with the importance of per- 
sonal religion. Her connection with the church in Hol- 
den, commenced when she was quite young. In addition 
to the advantages of schools in her native place, she was 
for a number of months under the instruction of the ex- 
cellent Mrs. Fiske, of Keene, N. H., and completed her 
studies preparatory for the missionary work, at Ipswich 
Female Seminary. She was married to the Rev. Aldin 
Grout, a graduate of Amherst College, 1831, and Ando- 
ver T. S. 1834. They embarked at Boston, Dec. 3, 1834, 
for a Station about to be established among a native 
tribe of Africans, called the Zulu, living in the south- 
eastern part of the Continent. They arrived at Cape 



Ji32 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

Town, Feb. 5, 1835, and at Port Natal, May 21, 1836. 
Mrs. Grout died at Port Elizabeth, Feb. 24, 1836. One 
year and nineteen days after her arrival in the country. 

Mrs. Grout, (Charlotte Bailey.) She is the daugh- 
ter of Mr. James Bailey, and was married to the Rev. 
Aldin Grout, a few months after his return from Africa, 
to the U. S., in consequence of wars among the Zulu 
people. They embarked for Africa, March, 1840, to en- 
gage in missionary labors, among the same tribes. 

Mr. Edward Bailey, son of Mr. James Bailey, was 
born at Holden, Feb. 24, 1814. He was married to Miss 
Caroline Hubbard, daughter of Mr. Jonas Hubbard. 
She was born at Holden, August 13, 1814. They em- 
barked from Boston for the Sandwich Islands, December 
14, 1836. Now engaged in Missionary pursuits at the 
Islands. 

Mrs. Eblls, (Myra Fairbanks,) daughter of Beaco?v 
Joshua Fairbanks, was born at Holden, May 25, 1805. 
She was married to the Rev. dishing Eells, a native of 
Blanford, Ms., and graduate of Williams College, 1834, 
and East Windsor Theological Seminary, 1837. They 
left New York, March 19, 1838, for a missionary station, 
supported by the American Board, among the Flat Head 
Indians, living beyond the Rocky Mountains. Their 
journey was mostly performed, after leaving Saint Louis, 
in company with a Caravan, which travelled for trading 
purposes among the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Eells arrived 
safely at their station, Aug. 29, 1838, where they are now 
engaged in their missionary labors. 

Mrs. Goddard, (Eliza Ann Abbott.) She is the daugh- 
ter of Mr. Asa Abbott, and was married to the Rev. Mr. 
Goddard, a Missionary to China, under the patronage of 
the American Baptist Board of Missions. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 133 

POST-MASTERS. 

|THE POST-OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED — 1813 OR '14.] 

Benjamin Davis, Dennis Davis, 

Lemuel Davis, Charles Chaffin, 

Merrill Davis, 



PHYSICIANS. 

A half century had nearly passed before a Physician 
became permanently located in Town. A biographical 
sketch of the first was given in the address, page 60. 

The following inscription is taken from his grave-stone. 

This Stone 
Marks the Spot 
where rests the mortal 
part of 
DOCT. ISAAC CHENERY, 
who departed this life, 
Oct. 20, 1822, 
Aged 80. 
" In the cold mansion of the silent tomb, 
How still the solitude, how deep the gloom ; 
Here sleeps the flesh unconscious, close, confined, 
But far, far distant dwells the immortal mind." 

Note. Soon after Doct. C.'s settlement in Holden, he 
married Miss Susannah Pierce, of Worcester. They had 
seven sons and three daughters. Their grand-children, 
now number 43 — g. g. children. 44 — g. g. g. child, 1 ; in 
all, 98 descendants. 

Thaddeus Chenery. Son of Isaac Chenery, was born, 
Holden, April 27, 17G9. He practiced a short time with 
his father, after becoming a member of the profession, 
but soon removed to Boylston, where he remained (ex- 
cepting six years at Lancaster,) until a. few months sub- 
sequent to the death of his father, 1822. He then returned 
to the late residence of his father, where he continued to 
12 



134 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

reside until 1840 ; and he is now living in the centre of 
the town. The whole period of his practice has been about 
forty years. lie married Polly Dodd. Their children are, 
Wm. D., Cyrus, Jno. A., Mary,Nancy J., and Lucy Ann. 
Moses Wheeler. A native of the town. Not known 

how long he continued here his practice. Died 3 

State of New York. 

Aaron Holbrook. A native of the town. He prac- 
ticed some years, and died December 18, 1825, aged 43. 
John Smith, and his son John M. Smith, practiced some 
years in town. 

George Estabrook. A native of Rutland. This gen- 
tleman has resided at two different times in town. He 
now is living in his native place. 

David Davis. A native of the town, and son of Elna- 
than Davis. He received his degree at New Haven, 
1824. He is now actively engaged here, in the duties of 
his profession. He spent two years in New York city, 
between 1833-7, and his practice in Holden has been 
about fifteen years. 

Aaron G. Babcock. A native of Princeton. Com- 
menced practice here, 1830. He subsequently, was a 
druggist, in Worcester ; and is now engaged in the man- 
ufacture of calico, Newton, Mass. 

Warren Partridge. Practiced for months in town, 
and is now living at Princeton, engaged in his profes- 
sional duties. 

A. G. Skinner. Practiced very successfully here, for 
some months, but now is residing in the West. 

xIugustus Robbins. A native of Harvard, M. D. at 
H. U., is now successfully discharging his professional 
duties in town. He commenced practice in Holden, June 
20, 1837. 

Note. Some other Physicians have come and gone. 



HISTORY- OF HOLDEN. X3S 

MASONRY. 

The Worcester County Encampment of Knights Tem- 
plars, and the Appendant Orders, was established in 
Holden, June 24, 1825. An address was delivered upon 
the occasion by the Rev. Benjamin Wood, Upton. Bye- 
Laws, twenty-three in number, were adopted and 
published. 

ORIGINAL MEMBERS. 

Jonas L. Sibley, Daniel Tenney, 

James Estabrook, George Estabrook, 

Lewis Thayer, David Davis, 

Samuel Stratton, Jacob Wood, 

Orin Dalrimple, Joel Nurse, 

Elisha Andrews, Manasseh Willard, 

Jacob Frieze, Adin Ballou. 

The meetings of the Masonic Fraternity were, for some 
years held in the Hall of the Abbott Hotel. Numerous 
relics and papers are now deposited in the garret of the 
same house. The neglect into which the subject has 
fallen for some years past, would lead to the conclusion 
that the Rev. Mr. Wood and his Masonic Friends, are 
now practically adopting an opinion advanced in his ad- 
dress. "For myself, I am ready to declare, in this pub- 
lic manner, that did I believe there was any thing in the 
principles of Masonry, incompatible with the high and 
holy vocation of a Christian Minister, or any thing which 
had the least tendency to weaken or destroy the faith 
once delivered to the saints, I would openly and imme-. 
diately renounce the order, and throw its badges to. the 
moles and to the bats /" [See Page 6.] 



130 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

hi the early records of the town, constant references 
appear relating to militia affairs. The citizens were 
often called to make practical exhibitions of their patri- 
otism and bravery in their country's service. The town, 
May 4, 1744, "Voted the sum of £30, to provide 
powder and bullets, and flints for town-stock." 

The following list of militia men, must have been made 
at an early period, although it was accompanied by no 
date. 

OFFICERS. 
Capt. John Biglo, Sergeant, Bezaleel Fisk, 

Lieut. Cyprian Stevens, " Samuel Hubbard. 

Ensign, Sam'l Heywood, " John Childs, 

Corp. Joseph Greenwood, Amos Heywood, 

" Jonathan Rice, 

PRIVATES. 

Samuel Thompson, John Johnson, H Thompson, 

Win Clark, William Harris, Abra Black, 

Jonathan Lovely Charles Heywood, Nathaniel Stearns, 

Jotham Biglo, Benj Mead, Jonathan Wheeler, 

James Grey, Jonas Parker, Moses Wheeler, 

Joseph Woolley, Amos Parker, Isaac Wheeler, 

Phinehas Bennett, Elisha Parker, David Fiske, 

Silas Bennett, Andrew Smith, Robert Wilson, 

Phinehas Ball, Josiah Broad, John Shelton, 

Win Nickols jr, Josiah Cheney, Eph Stevens, 

Thomas McMulIen, Will Cowden, O Davis 

David Brown, Saml Cowden, Jonas Gray, 

Jonas Read, Will Thompson, Peter Nutten, 

Elisha Harrington, Joseph French, Robert Cowden, 

Isaac Smith, Joshua Nickols, 

In tracing the history of the town to the close of the 
18th century, the writer made repeated allusions to the 
military spirit of its inhabitants. The same feeling 
has since been cherished. 

About the close of the last war, it was exhibited in 
the organization of a Grenadier Company. This compa- 
ny for more than 20 years, took a high rank upon all oc- 
casions of military parade. Its Officers and Privates 
were willing to make great sacrifices of their time, exer- 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



133 



lions, and money, to maintain its honor and respectability. 
The following, comprises a full list of all its member.-, 
from 1816 to 1837. 



1S16. 

fJsrvis Abbott, 
AmasaBoyden, 
**\Vra Drury jr, 
David Fisk, 
^Thomas Jones Davis, 
Seth Clapp, Jr., 
Leonard Fisk, 
Jotliam Bigelow, 
Warren Flagg, 
John Rogers, 2d, 
Samuel Dunton, 
John Keyes, 
Simon Chaffin, 
*Thomas Davis, Jan., 
Cyrus Dryden, 
Samuel Munroe, 
Walter Lee, 
Luther Goddard, 
Silas Flagg, 
Joel Howe, 
Leonard Fales, 
Simon Hubbard, 
Chauncey Rugg, 
Jonathan Chaffin, 
Joseph Howard, jun. , 
David Clapp, 
David Winch, 
Jacob Howard, 
1817. 
Luther Nash, 
Micah Holbrook, 
Daniel Rogers, 
David Hoyt, 
§John P. Maynard, 
James Maddocks, 
Amos Adams, 
Leonard Chenery, 
JChenery Abbott, 
John Fales, 
Abraham Goddard, 
Joseph White, 
tMerrill Davis, 
** Jones Estabrook, 
Nathan Goodell, 
Joseph Barbour, 
Rufus P. Fuller, 
§Sparro\v Crosby, jun. 
David Cook, 



Samuel Chickering, 
Royal H. Chaffin, 
Daniel Knowlton, jun. 
Joseph Crosby, 
Simon Black, 
Stilman Howe, 

1S18. 
David Partridge, 
§Dennis Davis, 
Artemas White, 
John Buss, 

1S19. 
tSamuel Stratton, jun. 
Benjamin Pierce, 
tfJason Mann, 
Elisha Bartlett, 
Thomas JelTerson Davis, Moses Smith, 
§Daniel Hubbard, Leonard Fales, 

Caleb Rogers, William Davis, 

1S29. Nahum Howe, 

John Spring, Samuel D. Darling. 

**Abel Drury, Elnathan Davis, 

Samuel D. Greenwood, §Caleb Kendall, jun 



Curtis Knowlton; 
Oren Flngg, 
Moses G. Allen, 
Nathan Rogers, jun,, 
Moses Newell, 
Warren Davis, 
William Bassett, 

1S24. 
John L. Davis, 
Newman Allen. 
William Kendall, 
tStilman Estabrook. 
Abner Perry jun.,, 

1825. 
Baylies Upham, 
Alonzo L. Ware, 



Charles B. Maynard, 
Ebenezer R. Perry, 
George W. Perry, 

1821. 
William Flagg, 
Emerson Hubbard, 
Lyman Bryant, 
Gardner Davis, 
Jonathan Munroe, 
Addison Davis, 
Oliver Stone, 
Joseph Parminter, 
William Mathews, 
Joel Davis, 

1822. 
Daniel Knowlton, jun., 
Addison Arnold, 
Hezekiah Bent,. 
John E. Willington, 
Charles Goodnow, 
William Kendall, 
David Davis, 
Henry Goulding, 
Samuel A. Wheeler, 

1823. 
Joseph Davis, 



Benjamin T. Southvvick 
Nallvaniel Sibley, 

1826. 
tJoab S. Holt, 
John Richardson, 
James Bacon, 
Philo Smith, 
John L. Hevve* 
Rufus F. Bacon, 
Elias B. Flagg, 
Jeremiah Knowlton,. 
Jason Knowlton, 
Hollis Ball, 
Abner Rogers. 
David Fisk, 2d, 
Joseph D. Fuller, 

1827. 
Harrison Bixby, 
Albert M. Bartlett, 
Alfred P. Bartlett. 
Slilman Hubbard. 
Moses Winn, 
Silas Dodd, 
Francis Davis, 
Samuel Temple, 
Edmund Johnson., 



12 



138 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



Edward Richardson, 
Silas Smith, 
Asa Holbrook, 
Caleb S. Fisk, 

1S28. 
Amos H. Newel!, 
Peter S. Winn, 
Gilman Darling, 
El i- ha Tucker, 
Prescott B. Alhee, 

1S29. 
Daniel F. Hubbard, 
Joseph Fisk, 
Simon G. Harrington, 
William Rogers, 
D wight F. Eager, 
Aaron Newell, 

1SS0. 
Horace Nichols, 
Charles Hubbard, 
Lemuel Fisk, jun., 
John E. Smith, 
**Ethan Davis, jun., 
James Hastings, 
Simon Howe, 
Charles A. Barber, 

1831. 
Caleb G. Howe, 
Sparrow C. JMyrick, 
Samuel B. Hubbard, 
§ Austin Estabrook, 
John Coleigh, 
Simon Goodale, 
Marshall P. Robinson, 
Charles Ball, 
Joseph B. Hubbard, 



William G. Parker, 
George Hastings, 
Austin Flagg, 

1832. 
Edward Bailey, 
Almon Samson, 
William T. Watson, 
Dexter Muzzy, 
Alfred F. Hastings, 
Marshall Hastings, 
Squire Slocumb, 
William Howe, 
Oliver C. Fairbanks 
George Thomas, 
Levi Morgan, 

1S33. 
Samuel Carpenter, 
John Stone, 
Moses L. Darling, 
**Ebenezer Estabrook, 
Otis Smith, 
Benjamin Sawyer, 
Calvin D. Davis, 
ttJames Kendall, 
William J. Stratton, 
James Rawson, 

1834. 
Charles Wood, 
George Dryden, 
Daniel Willington, 
Simon Crosby, 
Silas Barbour, jun., 
John M. Hubbard, 
George Cheney, 
**George Knowlton, 



John F. Smith, 
Elijah Wheelock, 
Lothrop Dormon, 
Gilbert Wheelock, 
John B. Watson, 

1835. 
Merrick H. Houghton, 
Nahum Newell, 
Joseph Bassett, 
Caleb K. Sawyer, 
Ezra Sawyer, 
Samuel Black, 
William B. Wright, 
Eli Darling, 
William Howe, 
Hendrick G. Smith, 

1836. 
Ebenezer W. Howe, 
Charles Roper, 
David C. Smith, 
Samuel Denny Hubbard, 
Jlsaac Damon, 
Danford Hall, 
Elisha Newell, 
James W. Rogers, 
**John Boyden, 
Beriah W. Hyde, 
William W. Dodd, 
Merrill Abbott, 
Samuel Turner, jun. 
George F. Wood, 
Alex. Loveless, 
Nye Moulton, 

1837. 
James F. Hervey. 



William Willington, 

Note. — A few years since a Light Infantry company 
was organized from enlistments in Ho] den and West 
Boylston. The writer has not had the privilege of peru- 
sing the company's records. 



* Promoted to Rank of General ; 
Major ; § do. do. Captain ; ' 



t do. 
* do. 



do. Colonel 
do. Lieut.: 



t 
tt 



do. 
do. 



do. 
do. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 139 

SCHOOLS. 

Common Schools. When the citizens of Holden were 
legally incorporated as a town, the worship of God was 

"•First in their noble thoughts and plans ; 
Then, the strung training of their youth." 

" To have a writing and reading school," voted the 
citizens, assembled May 19, 1741. A century passed. 
March 15, 1841. In Town-Meeting, it was " voted to 
raise 800 dollars for schools the ensuing year." "Voted, 
that it be divided with all other funds from Town or 
State, as last year, by the Selectmen and Assessors." 
Each year intervening between 1741 and 1841, witnessed 
a similar vote. It would appear from the Town records 
to have become an established method of proceedure, to 
do as last year, respecting schools ; with this exception, 
however, the amount of money raised has gradually been 
augmented with the increase of population. 

The Town, during the last few years, has annually 
expended more than $1000 for the support of Common 
Schools. A fund of about $3,400 is held by the town, 
the interest, (1840 — $202 00,) of which is appropriated 
for schooling. In addition, the sum of $54,69, was last 
year (1840,) received from the State Treasury. 

The above-mentioned fund [is principally the avails 
of Public Lands, granted to the town by original Pro- 
prietors. They reserved certain tracts of land as school 
lots. 

Statistical account of the Common Schools for 1840. 

Number of Districts, 12. 



No. 





Part of the Town. 


No 


of Scholars 


Appropriations 






between 3 y. &; 21 y. 




1, 


Centre, 




110 


$176 00 


2, 


Unionville, 




125 


150 00 


3, 


East Part, 




65 


94 00 


4, 


Flagg District, 




48 


79 00 


5, 


Eagleville, 




im 


152 00 



140 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



o. 6, 


Chaffin District, 


55 


76 00 


' 7, 


Walker «« 


81 


55 00 


' 3, 


West Part, 


20 


40 00 


' 9, 


Near John Esta'orooks, 


4S 


40 00 


' io, 


Near Samuel Brooks, 


32 


45 70 


' 11, 


Near Widow Allen, 


35 


53 04 


' 12, 


French Woods' Dis., 


65 


67 57 



733 1062 67 

Average attendance — Summer, 3S7 — Winter, 414. 
Number of Scholars between 4 y. and 16 y., 485. 

" of Teachers — Summer, 12 Females, Males. 

" " Winter, 5 " 9 " 

Av. wages per mo., including board, $11,61, females, $26, S7, males. 
" Value board per mo., 6,06, " S,00, " 

Private Schools and schools kept to prolong common schools, 5. 
Aggregate number of months, 9. 

" Number of scholars, 45. 
At an expense to individuals, §'135 00. 

The influence exerted by Common School instruction, 
has been in the highest degree, happy and salutary upon 
all the citizens of the town. It may confidently be as- 
serted that each individual has personally shared in their 
enlightening and ennobling blessings. 

The instance (if any has existed,) has never come to 
the knowledge of the writer, that a native-born citizen 

OF HOLDEN COULD NOT READ AND WRITE. 

"I have somewhere read" writes Addison, "of an 
eminent person, who used in his private offices of de- 
votion to give thanks to Heaven that he was born a 
Frenchman. I look upon it as a peculiar blessing that I 
was born an Englishman."* A Frenchman may give 
thanks for his National birth-right, and an Englishman 
regard his as a peculiar blessing ; the writer desires ever 
to cherish unfeigned gratitude for the peculiar blessing 
of a birth-place, and a common school education amid 
the hills of happy New-England ; for this reason, among 
many others — every child here, not only may... but does 

LEARN TO READ AND WRITE. 



* Spectator, No. 135. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN, 141 

Select Schools. The interests of education in Holden 
have not been unaffected by the progress of learning 
throughout the community. The demand for more 
school instruction has been met by the people of this 
place, in the maintenance, a part of the year, of a Select 
or High-School. These schools have with one excep- 
tion,^ commenced about the first week in September, and 
continued 11 or 12 weeks. The teacher has usually re- 
ceived the tuition-fees, paying his own expenses. The 
number of scholars has averaged from 30 to 50. 

LIST OF SELECT-SCHOOL TEACHERS. 



18 23— Edward P. Humphrey, 


A. B. 


1S28. 


A. C. 


1829 — David Tappan Lane, 


K 


1829. 


cc 


1830— Philander O. Powers, 


C< 


1330. 


CI 


1831— Aldin Groat, 


u 


1S31. 


it 


1832— Philander 0. Powers, 








1833— William Howe, 


CC 


1S34. 


Wat. Coir 


1834 — Merrill Richardson, 


a 


1S35. 


Mid. Coll 


1S35 — Samuel C. Damon, 


a 


1S36. 


A. C. 


1S36— Miss Martha Paine, 








1837— Rufus Taylor, 


(C 


1837. 


A. C. 


1838— Rufus Taylor, 








1S39 — Sabin McKinney, 


tc 


1S40. 


i c 


1840— George B. Rowell, 


u 


1837. 


a 



Sabbath Schools — have been maintained in both soci- 
eties from about the year 1S20. Schools were at first 
established in each school district. This practice was 
sustained but one year, 1819. The Rev. Mr. Goodell, 
(Missionary at Constantinople,) is regarded as having in- 
troduced the system of S. S. Dea. John Lowell was 
Superintendant of Cong. S. S. from 1S22, for 15 years. 
He was succeeded by Mr. Alonzo Ware, for 3 years. 
Mr. Allen is the present Superintendant. 



* In the spring of 1830, Mr. John. Keep, a graduate of A. C, 1829, taught 
a select school one quarter. 



142 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



POPULATION. 

The earliest census of the town was taken — 1765. 

Number of families, 75: Males under 16 years, 161, 
above 16 years, 109 : Females under 16 years, 116, above 
16 years, 107 : Negroes, 2. Total, 495. 

CENSUS OF HOLDEN BY FAMILIES, 1773. # 



David Winch 


5 


John Winch 


9 


John Black 


5 


Elijah Rice 


6 


Josiah Broad jr 


4 


Jabez Harrington 


11 


Masten Holt 


5 


John Abbott 


12 


James Cheney 


6 


Moses Stickney 


11 


Josiah Stratton 


8 


Francis Wilson 


4 


Samuel Grant 


6 


Jonathan Wheeler 


4 


Jona Howe 


6 


Job Colburnt 


7 


Abel How 


3 


Ebenezer Melet 


5 


Wm Nickols 


10 


Henry Taft 


9 


Joseph Greenwood 5 


John Perry- 


8 


Benjamin Allen 


6 


Samuel Estabrook 


3 


John Obens 


2 


Paul Goodale 


5 


Charles Heywood 


13 


A bra How 


3 


Samuel Chaffin 


9 


Amos He}'wood 


9 


Asa How 


7 


Eph Smith 


6 


Israel Davis 


8 


Elisha Hubbard 


7 


William Raymond 


7 


Josiah Broad 


7 


Elijah Rice, jr 


6 


Dea David Fiske 


8 


Samuel Hubbard j 


r 8 


Peter Hubbard 


8 


Samuel Heyvvood 


9 


Asa Lovel 


4 


Win Harris 


9 


James Dods 


3 


Peter Noice 


2 


Elisha Mirrick 


8 


Rd Flagg 


5 


Ephraim Holt 


5 


Aaron Newton 


3 


Daniel Black 


6 


Bezaleel Fisk 


6 


Joseph Morse 


10 


Benjamin Mead 


5 


Increase Stearns 


9 


Samuel Estabrook j 


r4 


Isaac Bartlett 


11 


Judah Wright 


6 


Thomas Grout 


5 


Isaac Chenery 


8 


Joseph Davis 


5 


Andrew Smith 


11 


Israel Davis jr 


7 


Thomas Kimball 


8 


Dca Jos Hubbard 


7 


Nathaniel Shepherd 3 


Stephen White 


6 


Jonas Gale 


11 


Jason Gleason 


7 


Jona Lovell 


8 


Wm Marshall 


7 


Peter Goulden 


6 


Moses Wheeler jr 


2 


Hezekiah Walker 


3 


Samuel Hubbard 


7 


Jeremiah Fuller 


5 


Seth Snow 


7 


Joseph Kingsbury 


6 


David Perry 


5 


Edmund Hall 


4 


Noah Haven 


3 


Jesse Allen 


5 


1 790 


. 


. 




. 


1077 


1300 Males, 


569, Females, 573, 


1142 


1800 


. 


. 




- 




1820 Wr 


lites 


, 1400, Col 


oroi 


1 *> 


1402 


1830 


- 


, 






1718 


I840t Males under 5 years, 143 Feraa 


les 


under 5 years, 121 




" between 5- 


-10, 93 " 


between 5—10, 92 




« cc 


10- 


-15, 107 " 




" 10—15, 93 




it a 


15- 


-20, 99 " 




" 15—20, 110 




tc « 


20- 


-30, 170 « 




« 20—30, 218 





* The above census is again inserted, in consequence of typographical 
errors, and because this position appears the most proper. 

t" Job Colburn had the widow Newton at his house keepiag school., 
and Daniel Hinds made his home there." 

t United States Census, 1840, 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 143 

Males between 30—40, 128 Females between 30—40, 108 

«< « 40—50, 67 « " 40—50, 59 

c< <: 50—60, 68 « « 50—60, 78 

« « 60—70, 22 « " 60—70, 31 

« «< 70—80, 15 « " 70—80, 25 

» 80 90, 11 « « 80—90, 9 

« « 90—100, " " 90—100, 1 

" 100, I " 100, 

929 945—1874 

Five hundred seventy-one persons are engaged in ag- 
ricultural pursuits, ten in commerce, and one hundred and 
two in manufactures and trades. No colored persons 
in town.j- 

Emigration. The native born citizens of Holden, have 
fully contributed their share to sustain the established 
character of N. E. people, for going out to seek their for- 
tunes, leaving no state, continent, island, or sea unexplo- 
red. It would, perhaps, be as impracticable as impossi- 
ble to furnish a complete list of all natives of Holden 
abroad. The compiler will confine himself to a few 
(small part)now living. Levi Holbrook, graduate of 
Ver. Uni. 1811, has resided for more than twenty years 
at Danville, Va, He went out as a school teacher. 

John, James, Benjamin and George, sons of John Dodd, 
Esq., reside in Boston. The first is a merchant, the oth- 
ers are connected with banking. All the Northern and 
many of the Southern States have representatives from 
Holden. While many have come from neighboring towns 
to settle in town, as many have gone to supply their 
places. 



t Deaths during 1840. The following statistics are taken from the 
Rev. Mr. Maine's New Year's Sermon: 
Less than one year, 8. 

Between 1—10, 3 Between 30—40, 5 Between €0—70, 3 

« 10—20, " 40—50, 3 « 70—80 1 

20-30, 3 " 50— tiO, 3 « 80-90, 4-33 

In January, 4 In March, 3 In May, 2 In July, 2 In September, 2 November,- 4 
February, 1 April, 2 June, 2 August, 4 October, 4 December, 3 

Males, 17 Amount of all their ages, 1126 

Females, 16— 33 Average age, 34 



144 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

VALUATIONS. 

The first general valuation, was made the year fol- 
lowing the adoption of the State Constitution, 1780. 

VALUATION FOR 1781. 



170 


Buildings, valued at £27 per acre, 


£4590 





J>59 


Acres of Mowing Tillage, 


2632 18 


10 


493 


" Meadow 


887 13 





1579 


•* Pasturage, 


4256 3 


1 


10,464 


'■ Woodland, 


8676 8 





7 


Mills 


220 





2828 


£ Money on hand and at interest, 


848 8 





None 


Ounces of Plate. 






106 


Horses valued at 


742 





2S7 


Oxen, 


1435 





400 


Cows, 


1200 





200 


Steers, 


300 





1234 


Sheep, 


371 8 





248 


Swine, 

Grain on hand, 


148 16 





None 


Carriages of all sorts.* 

or 








£26,S81 4 


11 




$89,604 


13 


LAST GENERAL VALUATIONS FOR THE YEAR 1840. 




Number. Polls, 


456 




<( 


Houses, 


263 




« 


Barns, 


239 




.< 


Saw-Mills, 


13 




a 


Grist " 


5 




(< 


Shingle & Lath do. 


6 




(< 


Fulling " 


1 




ec 


Carding Machine, 


1 




u 


Cotton Factories, 


5 




<( 


Spindles, 


6,474 




it 


Looms, 


153 




tt 


Woollen Factories, 


2 




i< 


Spindles, 


4S0 




<( 


Looms, 


16 




ct 


Tanneries, 


2 




U 


Stores 


6 




it 


Acres Tillage Land, 


824 




tt 


Bush. Wheat, 


67 





* Rev. Mr. Avery, was among the first, to ride in a chaise,and old people 
now can remember when there was not a wagon or chaise in town. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 145 



Number 


of 


bushels Rye, 


1,073 


n 




" Oats, 


7,010 


a 




" Corn, 


6,466 


it 




" Barley, 


50 


it 




Acres Eng. Mowing, 


2,135 


tt 




Tons Hay, 


1,649 


ti 




Acres Meadow, 


952 


it 




Tons Hay, 


636 


it 




Acres Pasturage, 


7,499 


a 




" Wood-Land, 


4,184 


it 




" Unimproved Land, 


4,655 


tt 




" Unimprovable " 


1,310 


tt 




Oxen, 


287 


tt 




Cows and Young Cattle, 


987 


a 




Horses, 


221 


ti 




Sheep, 


347 


it 




Swine, 


313 


Whole amount of valuation for 1840, $576,622. 





MANUFACTURES. 

The history of manufactures may most readily be 
traced by sketching, separately, that of the different 
villages. 

Unionville. Messrs. Eleazer Rider & Sons, commenc- 
ed spinning Cotton Yarn at this place in 1809. These 
persons had been previously engaged in the same busi- 
ness, at West Boylston. It is stated upon good authori- 
ty, that they were among the first, (if not the first,) man- 
ufacturers of cotton yarn in Worcester County. In 1810 
the factory of the Messrs. Riders contained 48 spindles. 
The same year, the establishment was purchased by Mr. 
Joshua Bassett and Mr. Farnum White. An addition 
was then made of 56 spindles. Mr. John Rudman pur- 
chased of Bassett and White, in 1814. The factory was 
sold to Mr. John Slater, 1819. In the following year, 
repairs and alterations were commenced. In 1821, Mr. 
John Lees became the owner, who continued to make re- 
pairs and additions, during the three following years. 

Weaving by the Power Loom commenced 1822. In 1S24, 
13 



146 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

Mr. Lees sold 19 bales of Sheeting to Mr. Samuel Park- 
man, jr., Boston, who shipped the goods to Batavia. It 
was reported at the time, to have been the first shipment 
of cotton goods from this country, which passed around 
Cape Good-Hope. 

This manufacturing establishment is now the proper- 
ty of Lees and Eldridge, — contains 1770 spindles, and 
36 Looms. 275,000 yards is an average amount of cloth 
annually manufactured, besides a quantity of batting. 

Jepherson's Satinet Factory. It was built by 

Morse, 1825, but is now owned by Mr. John Jepherson. 
It contains 180 spindles, and 8 looms. During the late 
"hard times," the proprietor has devoted more attention 
to agriculture, than to the manufacture of satinet — at a 
"dead loss." 

Northville Factory. It was built by B. T. Southgate, 
for the manufacture of woollen goods, but was altered by 
Wm. Buffum, to cottons, in 1827. It contains 40 Looms 
and 1488 Spindles, and has generally made, with 36 
Looms and 1392 Spindles, 250,000 yards of Shirting. 

The present owner of the establishment, S. Damon, 
Esq., 1840, built near by, a small Batting Mill. 

Quinepoxet Tillage. The Factory in this village, 
was built by S. Damon, Esq., under contract with Jo- 
seph Metcalf and Brother, during the summer of 1831. 
It has from time to time undergone extensive repairs, 
and is now owned by the original builder, in company 
with Nathan Howe. It contains 1400 Spindles, and 40 
Looms. 250,000 yards of Sheetings are annually maim- 
tured. 

Eagle ville Factory. Mr. Samuel Clark purchased 
the Saw and Grist-Mills, of Caleb Kendall, in this village, 
in 1831. He erected a small Factory the same year, 
which has since been enlarged to its present dimensions. 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 117 

It contains 1600 Spindles, and 40 Looms. 275,000 yards 
of Sheeting are annually manufactured. During the 
half year ending July 1, 150,000 yards were made. 

The business of the establishment is transacted under 
the name of the " Eagle Manufacturing- Company.''' 

Dryden's Satinet Factory. This factory was built 
by Col. Artemas Dryden. It contains 300 Spindles and 
8 looms. The same reason which silenced the spindles of 
Mr. Jepherson's Satinet Factory, have stopped these, 
during the last few months. 

S. Damon, Esq. is the present owner. 

Note. For many years previous to 1S30, Col. Dryden 
manufactured woollen Carding Machines at this place, 
which were sold in all parts of New England. 

Lovell's Factory. Cotton Batting, and Candle Wick- 
ing are manufactured at this Factory, by Dea. John 
Lovell. For many years he has run a Carding Machine 
for " Custom Work." 

Summary, Cotton Mills. 

Unionville, Spindles— 1790, Looms— 36, Cloth— 275,000 y. 

Northville, " 1392, " 36, " 250,000 

Quinepoxet, « 1400, " 40, " 250,000 

Eagleville, " 1S00, " 40, " 275,000 

1,050,000 



THINGS IN GENERAL. 

The following is the copy of Gen. Lafayette's letter to 
Capt. Webb. [See Page 4S.] 

Milton, May 15, 1781. 

Dear Sir. — Your successful scarmish — Has afforded 
me the greatest pleasure, and I request you will receive 
yourself, and present to your company, my best thanks 
on the occasion. 

Major Jicks is Requested to exert himself in finding 



148 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 



out the position, size, and number of long boat Helen. — 
lie either about City point or in the Appamatox river — 
the taking of these boats is a more desirable object and 
would produce good effects of a very extensive nature. 
But I cannot give orders as the capture depends upon 
the uncertain situation of local circumstances — Should 
you think it advisable to undertake, precaution must be 
taken to have your retreat secured at all events. 

In case the enterprise is not executed to-night, I wish 
you will return with your company in the cool of the 
evening — and if to-night you have any object in view 
you will repair here to-morrow with the boats. 
"W ith the most sincere esteem, 
Yours, 

Lafayette. 



more revolutionary soldiers. [See Page 75.] 

*Micah Harrington, Ephraim Holt, Solomon C. Cheney, 

John Black, Constant Webb, 

Benjamin Mead, jun., Asa Greenwood, 
tAttai Hubbard, * Jonathan Flagg, 

Timothy Marshall, Francis Winch. 



"Lemuel Harrington, 
*!Vathan Harrington, 
*LemueL Heywood, 
Samuel Heywood, 



Temperance Societies. The constitution of the first 
Temperance Society in Holden, was adopted, September 
15, 1829. The Rev. H. Bardwell and Ethan Davis, Esq. 
were active in its formation. The 3d article reads as 
follows: "The members, of this Society believing that 
the use of intoxicating liquors is, for persons in health, 
not only unnecessary, but hurtful, and that the practice 
is the cause of forming intemperate habits and appetites, 
that while it is continued, the evils of intemperance can 



* Continental Soldiers ; t Died in the Army. 



HISTORY OF HOLDER. 149 

never be prevented ; do therefore agree, that we will ab- 
stain from the use of distilled spirits, except as a medi- 
cine, in case of bodily infirmity, and that in all suitable 
ways we will discountenance the use of them in the com- 
munity." 

"If, however, individuals shall deem it necessary to 
make any use of ardent spirits, they shall report the same 
at the annual meetings of the /Society" 

When the friends of Temperance made the above agree- 
ment, behind them they could see, with Bunyan's Pil- 
grim, the city of Destruction, and the Slough of Despond. 
Hill of Difficulty, however, was in full prospect before 
them. For 12 long years they have been struggling up 
that hill, undismayed by the difficulties of the way. A- 
bout two or three years since, they caught a glimpse of 
the Delectable Mountains, "beautified with woods, vine- 
yards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with springs and 
fountains, very delectable to behold." When the Tem- 
perance Pilgrims had advanced thus far, they commenced 
a discussion respecting total abstinence from all intoxica- 
ting drinks. " They went then until they came to the De- 
lectable Mountains, so they went up to the mountains, to 
behold the gardens, and orchards, the vineyards and 
fountains of watee, where also they drank and washed 
themselves, and did freely eat, [not drink,] of the vine- 
yards." 

From a peak of one of the Delectable Mountains, a 

flag is seen waving in the breeze, and upon its folds are 
inscribed, 

"WASHINGTON TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY." 

1841. 

Pilgrims are daily arriving. 
13* 



ISO HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN 
FTlfHT their is to be sold at Public Auction on the Last Wednesday of 
-L this Instant at two o'clock P. M. at the House of Lem'l Abbot 
in Holden that Noted House in Said Town Known by the Name of the 
Old Publick Meeting House ; their is a variety of Excellent Board , no doubt, 
and a Large assortment of fine Timber, which the purchaser may make 
Large improvements upon besides Some Glass and Nails all which will be 
Sold together or in Separate Lots as will best accommodate the purchaser or 
purchasers, the Conditions of Sale will be made Known at the time and 
place above mentioned. 

JAMES DAVIS ) 

EBEN'R ESTABROOK S Committee 
PAUL GOODALE > 4 

March ye 16th 1791 

N. B. Notice is hereby given to all persons that have any Demand, on 
Said House as private property ; they are Desired to Remove the Same be- 
fore Said Day as no allowance will be made to any Person by the Town 
that Shall Neglect the Same. 



To Mr Joseph Hubbard Treasurer for the town of Holden Sir Pursuant to 
an order from the Select Men of this town to you to pay unto us the money 
due for teaching the School these are therefore to desire you to pay unto 
John Young the Sum of three pounds twelve Shillings lawful money of this 
Provance and his Receit Shall be your discharge for So much given under 
hand this 2d day of May 1753. 

John Biglo ^ Com'tee For The 

Samuel Hubbard > Town of Holden 
Israel Davis j for the School 

To Mr Joseph Hubbard Treasurer for the Town of Holden Sir Pursuant 
to an order from the School Committee of this town to you to pay me the 
Sum of three pounds twelve Shillings these are therefore to desire you to 
pay Lieunt Syprian Stevens the sum of eight Shillings lawf money of this 
provance and for your So doing this shall be your Security or discharge for 
so much given under my hand at Holden May ye 3d — 1753. 

John Young 

These are to Certify whom it may concern that when I kept School at 
Lieunt Steven's in Holden my wages was one pound four Shillings pr month 
for three months which was three pounds twelve Shillings in all of which 
Mr Jotham Biglo paid me two pounds given under my hand this 12th of 
Hov'br 1756 John Young 



Holden February 11th. A. D. 1752. To mr Isariel Daives Tresurer for 
ye Town of Holden ye present year Sir Plese to pay Saml. Peirce ye sum 
of Eight Shillings Due to him for takeing care of ye meeting-honse this 
present year and his endorsement shall be your Discharge for so much in 
make'mg up your accompts for ye Twenty five pounds now in ye hands of 
mr James Gray — Constable for this year 

John Biglo ? Select-men 

Samuel Heywood ) °f Holden 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 15 L 

To mr Benj. Mead Constable Sir please to pay to Ithimor Goodenovv too 
Shilling and eight pence Lawful money for a Wild Cat head and is Endorse. 
Shall be your discharge for so much fro:n Joseph Hubbard Town 

Des. the 13 1754 Treasurer 



Holden Janew.y 15th 1754 
To Mr. Benjenien Mead Constable Sir pleas to pay to Decon Sam. II 
Pearce the Sume of Eight Shillings for Taking Care of the Meeting House 
in the year one Thousand Seven Hundred and fifty Three and his Endorse 
Shall be your Discharge for so much in making up your aCoupt. 

Joseph Hubbard Town Treasurer 



Rec,d of Jona. Rice the Sum of Eight Shillings in full of the assessment 
made by the Towns Committee for the Raising men to Serve in the Conti- 
nental Army for Three years or During the War 

David Fisk J- Chairman of the Committee 

Holden April ye 14th 1777 



the acount of the hivvay work in year 1751 Jonathan Lowvel 7 days and 
a half Samuel benet 3 days Ephram benet 2 days and a half phinnias benet 
2 days Josieah cheene 3 days phinnias Coll 2 days and a third part of a day 
Joseph irench 2 days and too thirds of a day \> illiam Flngg 2 days and a 
half 



To mr Joseph Hubburd Town Trasuror 
to pay to paul Raymond the Sum of fiv 
and four pence for two grown Bares Whelps 
Endorse Shall be your Discharge for So mu 
ye account, Holden Feberarey the Tenth 
John Eig'o 
Richard Fla 
Israel Davis 
[A part of this order is lost.] 



This is to Sertiefye the Select men Cunstable & Town Trcsurer that we 
whose names are hear mentioned have worked out our Rates According to 
Town Vote and hear is the names and the Sume worked By us 

S D Q 
Dee.c Samuel Peirce 9 10 1 

Joseph R'igg 9 05 1 

Moses Wheler 6 06 9 

Jonathan Rice 7 10 2 

This List is Directed to the Select men Cunstable & Town Treasurer of this 
Town of Holden given under my hand this first Day of October. 1750 

Jonathan Rice Surv.ayour ol Highways 



152 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

The following correspondence passed between the Re v\ 
Mr. Avery and two of his parishioners. It confirms 
statements upon 56th page of the address. 1. In refer- 
ence to existing prejudices against instrumental Chh. 
Music ; and 2. The mild and conciliatory manner of the 
Rev. Mr. Avery. Some may have thought him mild to 
a fault — but like the Country Parson, beautifully describ- 
ed by Goldsmith, 

" And ev'n Ins failings lean'd to virtue's side." 

Holden, Jan.y 2d. 1790. 

Dear Sirs — We are not insensible that true benevolence is a mark of the 
Christian, & the glorv of the christian character, & as this divine principle 
awakens the sincerest wishes, in those that possess it, for the happiness of 
men in general, so especially for those they stand in particular relation to. 
This principle we would wish to cherish, & feel its happy influence. How 
then can we find, without concern that two of our Brethren, whom we loved 
and respected, have withdrawn from our communion ? Were we conscious 
of a wilful departure from the line of duty that had occasion'd this, we 
should charge ourselves as highly culpable, & consider the call to penitence 
as loud & pressing. But tho' we have done nothing designedly to offend our 
Brethren ; we must still feel a sorrow, that they should think themselves 
justified in deserting our communion ; & we should esteem it a happiness, if 
we could now suggest any thing to influence them to a cordial return there- 
to. Here then we add that we presume the Church as such cannot be justly 
charg'd with acting inconsistent with rule and order. True it is, that they 
have voted one thing as to the mode of singing in the Congregation at one 
time, & something different at another ; But have not publick bodies of Chris- 
tians an undoubted right to do this if they think it wise and best. The 
Church as a body wished to have found jou gratified and pleased ; but 
they would not wisely go counter to what was the sentiment of the majority. 
&. shall this circumstance separate us on earth, when we are, or ought to be 
all bound to the heavenly world ? Is it not best to strive after union in the 
great essentials of religion, and to be candid and forbearing as to lesser mat- 
ters. Let us suppose then now for a moment, that in the true scirit of 
candor you were returned, and statedly and cheerfully attended with us, that 
when the mere musick of the voice was not so pleasing as you could wish, 
that then your minds were deeply fixed on the great and interesting truths 
contain'd in the sacred psalm or hymn, and your souls were rising in secret 
harmony to God on the wings of faith and love. Would you not reflect on 
such opportunities afterward, with the sincerest pleasure, and regard them 
as far from being lost? and would not this be some satisfaction that your ex- 
ample invited others to the house of God, and table of Christ ? V\ e hope 
you feel a solicitude for the interests of Religion, and how can we expect 
these to flourish if we neglect the publick worship, and ordinances of God ? 
Let it then be our united prayer that the great adversary of souls, who de- 
lights to sow discord among Brethren, may not prevail against us. Our 
Stay together on earth is short, and transient indeed ; Let us away then with 
coldness, estrangement, and disaffection, put on as the elect of God, bowels 
of mercy, tenderness and humbleness of mind, and the Lord conduct us all 



HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 153 

safely to that place, where imperfection, error, and human frailty are forev- 
er at an end and where we may with infinite satisfaction harmonise in Songs 
of praise to him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb forever. 

The Church was stopt on this day and it appeared that they were desirous 
that the above should be sent to Mr. and Mr. 

N. B. the Chh. would wish that if they have any thing to object against 
any individual of the Church they would converse with them and endeavor 
to satisfy themselves. 



Holden, Jan'y. 11th 1791. 
Rev'd Sir — I Rec'd sumthing from sum person, and take it to be from 
your Self, but Do Not Know by your Signing because there is no name to 
it: it bears Date January ye 2d, 1790, whether it is threw mistake or De- 
signedly i know not: on first consideration I thought to take no Notice of it: 
button a second consideration I thought I would : The Letter which I re- 
ceived, seems to set forth that true benevolence is the mark and the giory 
of the sincerest wishes in those that possess it : to which I answer and say 
all that is very good : and Not to say any thing further on true Christian be- 
nevolence and charity towards our Brethren. I am Charged with Deserting 
the Sacrement of the Lord's Supper, and signify without any just cause : 
hear I might add that it is suggested, the Church have Voted sumthing Dif- 
ferent at one time to what they did at another and supposed it would have 
been satisfactory to me, but what you grounded your hope upon I Can not 
Conceive of: the mode of singing which is so much offensive to me, that 1 
cannot Glorify God, nor be Edify ed myself: and further the Church have 
gon Conterary to the Covenant owned be Every Brother of the Church : in 
the Covenant are these words promising Carefully to avoid all sinful stum- 
bling Blocks and Contentions to metion no more on the Covenant: the mere 
musick as you Call it, i3 the Block in my way, as your Self and the Church 
are Sensable of: this mere Music has No melody at all in it: and further I 

would wish to se the Carrecter Discribed in the Letter subscribed to Mr 

and my self truly and faithfully observed, and Not Lord it over any ones Con- 
cience: I answer for my Self and No other. Rev'd Sir I could with all 
freedom Discorse with you on these matters if you will come to my House, 
as my wife and one of my Daughters are Not able to attend the publick 
worship, they seem very Desirous that you should pay them a visit, and if 
you please, preach a Lecture on there Desire. 



Holden, Jan'y 15,1791. 
Dear Sir — I received a line from you of the 11th of Jan'y, 1791, and by 
this I was sorry to learn, that there were some mistakes in a line lately sent 

to you and Mr S It should have bore date Jan'y 2d, 1791, and I 

meant to have informed you in my own name that it was the general desire 
of those of the Church, that were at meeting on that day, that what was 

contained in that letter should be sent to you and Mr S , as coming from 

them. It has been matter of pain to me to find your seat and that of Mr. 
S vacant at our communion. I have done nothing personally and de- 
signedly inconsistent with the most tender solicitude for your truest interest. 
Your edification and improvement is an object of my sincere desire : But at 
the same time, I must freely and honestly, say that I cannot think in some 
respects as you do: Supposing the greater part of the Church, had thought 



154 HISTORY OF HOLDEN. 

with you as to the singing, chosen the tunes that you like best, and to have 
the psalm read as is most agreable to you; that some of the Church had com- 
plained, and said that they would not be edified by such singing, and that 
it was laying a stumbling block before them to sing after that sort, would 
you believe it was, and in order to please them, would you be willing to 
lay aside the singing that was agreable to you. I presume that you would 
not, and still that you would think that they ought not, on this account to 
forsake the communion of the Church. If the musick was as disagreable 
to me as to you, I persuade myself that I could, notwithstanding, find edifi- 
cation in the house of God, I could resolve to have my mind raised above 
the mere sound of the voice, and let the great truths of the psalm or hymn 
engross my attention. If the music is ever so agreable to my ear, yet if I 
pay no regard to the truths that are sung, I am not edifyed as I aught. The 
main thing is to have the heart in tune, rightly impressed and influenced. 
Why should we let the mere voice, if not agreable, destroy our devotions, 
and prevent our edification. I wish Sir, to have your mind, and my own 
above being discomposed by small things. And that we, and others might 
walk together in the unity of the spirit, and bond of peace. I am persua- 
ded that if you would overlook, forget, or rise above things that have been 
or are disagreable to you, you would find more satisfaction in it, than you 
can in suffering things to chaff your mind so as to keep you from the House 
of God. As to lording it over your conscience, or any man's, 1 trust I 
have not the most distant wish for it. What I desire and pray fo r is the edifi- 
cation of the Church in general. It has been the bane of Christians in va- 
rious ages to disagree about the circumstantials of Religion. Every member 
of a Church has a right to use every fair argument in order to have things 
agreeable to his mind; but is it not more noble and Chrisiianlike to deny our- 
selves of some things to prevent a division of the Church than to be so 
strenuous as to break off" it, because every thing is not agreable. Good 
men may differ in sentiment, Paul and Barnabas did, but difference in judg- 
ment should not destroy mutual love. The Church in general, sincerely 

wish that you and Mr S could see things in a different light. " You 

subscribe yourself a distressed Brother." I truly wish you relief and com- 
fort, a serene old age, and at the close of it, a peaceful departure of life to a 
better world. I can sympathize with you in your afflictions by reason of 
ye sickness and weakness of some of your family, and am sorry that other 
troubles should be added to these, and I give as the sober sentiment of 
my heart, that if you would overcome that aversion you have to some 
things in the house of God, and could find your heart reconciled to a cheer- 
ful attendance on the duties of God's house, that you would rejoice in it 
hereafter as a real happiness. I will endeavor to preach a Lecture at your 
house on thursday next, at one o'clock in the Afternoon, and to come to 
your house in the forenoon. 

I am with all sincerity and friendship, 

Yours, &c, 

JOSEPH A VERY. 



ERRATA. 

Page 49, line 26, for ' Bennett,' read * Amos Howard, jr.' 
" 50, line 5, for « 6s 6d,' read « Is 6d,' 
" 52, line 9, after « inhabitants ' insert » of this town,' 
" 61, line 11, for ' any blessings,' read * Heaven's blessings,' (some 

copies correct.) 
" 72, line 27, for ' Inman,' read ■ Sumner.' 
" 95, line 1, for « 87 ' read « 88 ;' line 2, insert ' Paul Goodale, 

1781—87;' line 18, read « 1801-^-5.' 
« 96, line 10, read « Thomas J. Davis, 1S26, 34, 35, 36, 40, 41}' 

line 13, for ' 1822 ' read « 182,7.' 
" 98, line 7, for ' 1783' read « 1.793;' line 8, for « 34 ' read ' 24;, 
'", 99, for line 13, insert « Samuel Damon, 1807.' 
" 100, line 16, for '1831' rea^ <1S36.' 
" 143, line 20, after '.banking ' insert « institutions.' 



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